Quote Originally Posted by e1000
Hey, my name is Evan, I'm new here and although I don’t have a ball python yet, I do plan on getting one in the near future. I have been researching extensively on how to be the best/most responsible snake owner I can be, largely through online guides and extensive lurking on this site. My intention is to be completely prepared for the responsibility when I do finally get one.
But enough about me,

For now, I was wondering about something that none of the online guides I have read addressed. Where does one place the thermometer of a thermostat? If the heating source is overhead is it different than if it is an under the cage heat source? How does one prevent hotspots or cold spots when the thermometer only measures a little tiny area of the enclosure?

Also what are some good (preferably inexpensive) thermostats that I can look into?
Welcome! I assume you are talking about the probe on the tstat that measures the temperature? It depends on the type of heat source and substrate you plan on using. I am not a fan of overhead heating for BPs. Heat lamps just dry out the enclosure and dont provide the best basking areas for BPs that tend to stay in their hides most of the time. If you are using a UTH (under tank heater) then I would attach the probe directly to the heat source and put the probe of a good digital thermometer on the bottom of the enclosure on the inside and adjust your temps based on that reading. As far as tstat types, there are cheap ones all the way up to expensive, high quality models. What is your price range? Hope this helps!

Jamie