Yes the fellow who gave me the snake has given me advice and answered my questions, but we work opposite shifts, and Im the internet junky type who likes to research and get multiple opinions as well as get answers immediately instead of waiting for phone calls back etc

I realize the tank is a little large, but I decided that I didnt have a tank, so why not get one large enough for it for a while for $50 instead of upgrading and ending up with a few extra tanks sitting around.

I Do have a thermostat that I have the heat pad plugged into, the only problem is it never gets warm enough in there to turn it off (80 on cool side, 85-90 on hot side with my electric space heater and the heat pad running). Should I have the thermostat sensor right against the glass that the heat pad side is on?

My friend did give me advice the same as you about getting a more accurate thermostat/hygrometer.

The lid is a temporary setup, and actually got warped by the high humidity that was in the room at first. Those weights on top are 10lbs each, so I figured that might keep him in place at least temporarily... I was considering making a better lid, but I dont want to use screen as that would totally kill the humidity in there. I plan on putting 2 more hides in. The granola bar box was just the best i had lying around and he loves it . Ive been looking around and trying to find some small tight hide that he would like... is it ok to put a hide on the hot side? My water dish is a little large, but apparently I didnt understand spatially exactly how large it was in comparison to the tank until I got it home.

Its been a few days and I've handled the snake twice, and it is very docile and doesnt panic or try to curl up when I reached in, more curious than anything.

Thanks for all the advice, Im going to try to find a good thermometer later today, and keep out an idea for some good hides. This picture says it isnt showing up, did the link work to copy and paste out?