Questions from a newbie

[Vengeance]

Hello all, I'm currently looking into purchasing my first snake and I think I've come to the final decision that I want a Ball python, so now that I've made the decision I have a ton of questions.

I've done some research and have some good basics on heating tempatures, feeding, habitat, and care but it's allot of the specifcs I'm lacking on. So here goes.....

I know during the day there should be a cool side of 75 - 80F and a basking area of 90 - 95F but what is the best heat source? I was thinking a combination of UTH and light bulbs would be good? the UTH heater for night times and the light for during the day. Also taking into account that the tempature should drop a little bit during the night hours. That's why I thought an UTH heater would be better because I woulnd't have to have a light on at all times. Also would an infrared light be better? What wattage should I use to keep the tempature at the right level?

For substrate I was thinking of Fir Bark but I'm a bit worried about if the snake ingests some of the bark. What harm will come to a snake in the occurance it was to ingest some of the substrate? Also is it better to feed out of the cage or in the cage? I would think it would be better to feed in the cage because from what I've been reading aftering being fed the snake should not be botherd for 24 - 48 hours for fear of regeratation(sp?). So if that's true how does feeding the snake outside of the inclousure then putting him back in after ward effect his digestion?

For humadity what is the best way to keep it around 60%? I've purchased a 50 gal tank with a wire top, (I have some questions about the top next) is misting it daily a good way or just keeping the water bowl in the basking area all I should need to do? I'm confused on what is the best idea here.

Now for the wire top, I purchased one that seems very secure but at the opisite ends of the cage it seems like there is a bit of give to it. Now how much give is too much give? I have to push pretty hard with my hand from the inside out to make it give to a point that the snake would be able to fit his head out, or is the fact that it has any give at all a bad thing? Should I secure it further with bungee cords or something of that nature?

Just like to thank everyone in advance for putting up with my newbie ramblings. Good thing is I'm in no huge rush to get answers to these questions because I haven't even purchased the snake yet. But I want to make sure that when I do everything will be done right, so that's why I'm asking so many questions.

Thanks again

Adam aka Vengeance