Hey Logan - your choice of heat mat, ceramic (I wouldn't mess with other globes) globe, heat panel or heat cord depends on the type of enclosure. If you are keeping a young snake in a plastic tub, use one of those Habistat themostats (I use them for everything) with a heat mat under the tub. If a larger enclosure, one of the other options would work and you can transfer the same thermostat to the larger enclosure when the snake 'upsizes'. I've used them all and they all have their advantages. If this is your first snake, go for an adult. They will be well established and the temperament clear. Stimsons are lovely pythons and they live 20 - 30 years, so you are not losing out on a lot of time by buying an adult! Ours is 9 years old and is the gentlest python ever. We got her as an adult for our young daughter and she was a perfect choice.