Quote Originally Posted by thegrandpoohbah
Thanks for the replies. I've decided to go with a heat lamp w/ a CHE and an UTH since it is a fairly large tank. How much wattage will I want for each of these? And where can I get a thermostat from to control them?

Also, I went out to Walmart today to try and find a a digital thermometer/hygrometer with a probe as suggested in some of the threads I've read. They had no idea what I was talking about when I asked their employees. I did find a couple that might have worked but they were huge and looked nothing like the ones in pictures I've seen on this site. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I'm in Canada? Any suggestions or am I stuck buying one from the local pet store? Thanks.
Heat lamp wattage will depend upon the temperatures in your home - you'll have to "play" with that. I've never used a CHE, in fact prefer not to use overhead heating, because I find it dries out the enclosure too much.

As for UTH and thermostat to control it, I'd suggest buying from http://www.reptilebasics.com - get at least a 1' section of 11" flexwatt, the connectors and ask him to pre-wire it for you and for your purposes, a wired Ranco would do well for you.

Here's a picture of the thermometer you're looking for at Walmart:

I've found it in the hardware section of my Walmart with the other indoor/outdoor thermometers.

Kasi is correct, the size enclosure you have is more appropriate for an adult ball python. Too much space will stress out a baby ball python causing them not to eat as one sign of stress - which will in turn, stress you out.

I suggest if you do get a baby, to consider giving them a good head start with either a 10 gallon tank or a 15 quart tub like this: