I'm not experienced, either. But from reading things on this site, inquiring and doing some research, I've made my heating decision. www.reptilebasics.com has everything that I'm getting. I'm getting 12" of 3" flexwatt (assembled) and a Helix thermostat. Flexwatt is heat tape that goes underneath your tank or tub and with the thermostat, you attach the temp probe securely to the heat source (in my case the flexwatt) and set the temp on the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the temperature accurately, so there is no chance of burning your snake.

Helix therms are kinda pricey ($129-$139)...but for a long-term investment like a Ball Python, I figured it's worth it. BP's live 20-40 years...so over the course of 20 years or so, what's $130 to keep my pet safe? The flexwatt is actually very inexpensive. What I'm getting, completely assembled is something like $8.

I'm not claming to be an expert--far from it. I haven't even ordered/recieved my flexwatt/Helix yet (I'll be ordering next week ).

If I've mis-stated anything about Flexwatt or the Helix, someone can feel free to correct me. I'm just new to it, too...but in a month I've found out a -lot- if info.

--Kim