New juvenile ball python, feedback appreciated on set-up and care (pics)

[Bogertophis]

Great! Viper was in his new cool-side hideout this morning. I'll put the aluminum on today. it sounds like, for now, I should stick with the UV redlight 'night' heater? I didn't quite catch the concern with the CHE but sounded serious.

I'll get monitors and mist daily. I think we're on the right track!

And I had read that thread before getting Viper but when I went into the pet store, I knew they were all experienced snake keepers and with all the conflicting info online I thought I would just let them guide me. I even asked in the moment 'hey, I heard glass tanks weren't ideal' and he said that's what he uses and I didn't have enough of the info confidently downloaded in my brain to disagree.

All that said, I think we'll make this enclosure work and when it's time to upgrade (usually what age should I be looking at a bigger enclosure, or is 20 gal good for life?) I'll get it set up the right way well before.

No, a 20 gal. is definitely not "good for life"- BPs average about 4' as adults- & some (esp. females) get quite a bit bigger. If you stuck with glass tanks, a 40-gal. breeder tank would be more the adult BP size. Most here prefer plastic enclosures, but you can make it work either way.

Best to do research before going into pet stores- they're often incorrect- not always, but remember they're trying to make a sale, so if nothing else, they usually make everything sound easier than it really is. Be skeptical & do your own research. Some pet store employees are wonderful, many just mean well but don't have their own experience, & most just say what they're supposed to say regardless. Even among very experienced snake-keepers (including here)- understand that we all don't agree anyway- at some point, the choices are yours to make & live with. But we'll be happy to help by discussing options, including the pros & cons.