What is everything I need for a Ball Python setup?

[Adam_Wysocki]

1.) Cage (probably going to go with the Vision #322 cage)

Have you checked out animal plastics cages yet? www.animalplastics.com

2.) Substrate (I don't know, can somebody recommend some good stuff?)

Newspaper, doesn't get much better than that!

3.) Lighting (again recommendations please?)

Regular room lighting is enough for your ball python.

4.) FlexWatt Heat Tape (How much do I need? where to get it from?)

How much depends on size of cage, temps in your room, etc .... contact Matt at www.mgreptiles.com .... He's really good when it comes to figuring out your heating needs.

5.) Thermostat (Do I need one? if so, what specific one and where to buy?)

In my opinion, a thermostat is a must have for keeping a reptile that is as temperature sensitive as a ball python. Again, check out Matt at www.mgreptiles.com. I've been using Helix thermostats on all of my ball pythons for almost 10 years now, but Matt has a bunch of different brands to choose from.

6.) Hiding spot and water bowl (what size?)

For hides, you can go to home depot or lowes and get a 4" plastic flower pot bottom, flip it upside down and use a 2" hole saw or razor blade to cut an opening in the top for your snake to get in and out of. They are about $.99 each, so get a bunch and put them all over your snakes cage (especially if you're putting a small snake in a large cage).

For water, a 4" plastic water bowl from a pet store is fine.

is there anything else I am forgetting?

Yes, one or two digital indoor/outdoor thermometers with hygrometer functionality to measure temps and humidity. Home Depot, Target, and Walmart have these priced from $9 and up.

Good luck.

-adam