Hello and welcome! Nice work and wanting to get things dialed in for your new friend before they arrive !

I only put holes on the tub, none on the lid. As far as how many, I'm not entirely sure. Check out this thread if you haven't already
https://ball-pythons.net/forums/show...e-Basics-*DUW*


You could look at accurite for a hygrometer (humidity monitor) and an accurite digital thermometer, at least that's what I use in my beep's tub . I had a faulty thermometer / hygrometer I got from Reptile Basics, so I'm a bit wary of them, though that's just my baggage. As for a heat gun, I purchased a temp gun from Klein Tools ($59.99 USD). It's a bit pricey, but the cheaper Ryobi temp gun I got was off in it's reading.

You do need two identical hides for your beep, one for the hot side and one for the cold side. They will choose security over proper thermoregulation, which could lead to some issues like refusal to eat or sickness.

If you haven't already, make sure to get a good thermostat! I found the most inexpensive thing I bought was the tub itself, LOL! I spent more on thermostat, temp gun, UTH and hides.