Okey dokey. I'm on Reptile Basics now figuring out my order. I am totally in favor of doing what needs to be done to keep dh's little guy healthy and happy. But this raises a question in my mind--why are people so concerned about the cost of the *snake* when the set-up is going to cost them several times the average cost of the snake itself?

Okay. So, I need: a thermostat. I'm looking at the Helix DBS 1000 Proportional at $129.99. Is that what I need by way of thermostat? Can it be used for more than one heating device set to the same temp? If we have only one snake and otherwise good conditions, does Sammy really need the expensive model or would we be okay with the $75 Jackson model? How much of a difference does it make in the snake's quality of life?

Heat tape. For a 3 foot long, 1 1/2 foot wide, 2 foot tall Rubbermaid type enclosure, will I need more than a foot of the 3" tape? Should I order two feet to be on the safe side? Or do I need more than that?

And a wire/clip/insulator set. Just one? Will I need to lay the heat tape in several parallel strips, and will this require an extra set or two?

Is that it?

I'm sorry for these total newbie questions. I thought we had done our research really well and we were all set to go. Ugh. I hate being unprepared. But I really appreciate the hand-holding.

Heather