I have just started with my ball, and things I have learned are You really don't have to the bulb's and lamps. You can have the UTH (Under Tank Heater) is plenty enough. Substrate I stay away from aspen and pine shavings. Coconut Husk ( I believe thats what they call it) or sphagnum moss any thing that will help with your humidity is great. STAY AWAY from aspen and pine. People say it depends on what you want. But my research show the aspen and pine contain chemicals that can harm the snake also eating if they swallow a piece by acc. it can lead to RI. So i just stuck with fir and sphagnum moss mix and it is working awesome.