At this time the general consensus of most breeders is they really do not need a day/night cycle lamp. This is based on the fact that most of them stay in rodent holes below ground through out the day and only come out at night to hunt. Based on this we do not supply day/night light cycles for our snakes other that the light that comes through the window in the room. Granted while ball pythons are popular snakes I think the hobby of keeping them is still evolving. 5-10 years from now it could very well be proven day and night cycles are beneficial!

Most pet stores recommend a heat lamp since either A. They don't know ball pythons and base it off reptiles in general. Or B. They believe you will be keeping it in an aquarium which is known to have problems maintaining the proper heat levels for ball pythons. If B is the reason and they really know what they are talking about they will make tons of other recommendations on setting it up as well.

All of my racks to date have been made with belly heat. Others have had great success and swear by back heat. I may have to try back heat on a rack just to see how it works, but then again most ball python owners stick with what works and changes what doesn't and belly heat has worked for us!

Also in our larger tubs, 32 qt and 41 qt, we use a 7 1/2" ceramic water dish!