Keeping hatchlings, heat sources suggestons please

[Edan2000]

It has been suggested for the first year I should keep my young snake in a small enclosure and use a heat mat.

Should there also be timed lighting? I have a dark apartment, will this effect the hatchling?

Should I use substrate or just paper? If substrate, how deep? I have bark chip substrate which I have thouroughly cleaned to get rid of the dust.

The head matt sits under a critter cage about 15 mm, is this too low and will it still keep the snake warm? Should I have 2 hides? One on the warm area and 1 in the cool area?

How will not having direct lighting effect the python (Murray Darling).

What other suggestions doe people have for keeping young snakes.

Are there any pet shops in central Sydney area that have herp supplies?

[sarahbell]

the heat mat is fine
the bark is fine id say about 2cm thick on floor
one hide in the cool end is fine
now the light you could take your snake out side through the day for a few mins also how dark is it if its your average appartment it should be fine

as for pet store i wouldnt have a clue

[Edan2000]

The apartment is rather dim. As I work during the day I will only be able to take it out on weekends to get sun. As I am home in the evening it will get a fair bit of light then but this may stuff up its Day / night time clock.
I could leave the fluoro lights on during the day.

Cheers,

Edan