Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm new with pythons and snakes in general. I've have had many different lizards but I would like to try something new. I'd like to get a Spotted Python but since they live in many different climates I’m not sure how hot or cold to make my cage or what to put in it. (Though it’s a CB, I figure it would prefer a climate more like home) I have one large cage that my dad and I built it to hold an Iguana(Juvinile). Its measurements are: 34"long x 16" wide x 37" Tall and IT IS MADE OF WOOD I’m wondering if heat mats and wood get along? So my questions to the experts (or anyone who knows a thing or two about Australian type pythons) are:

1. What type of heating should I use for my cage?
2. How high should the humidity be?
3. I can build another cage if the snake gets cramped, is this cage large enough to hold a adult Spotted python?
4. What type of humidifier works best? (I live in the depressing cold city of Chicago and the air gets pretty dry.)
5. Is fine grain aquarium gravel suitable for a Spotted Python?

Please state your recommendations.

Thanks for reading.
Flyhigh

Heat pads work fine...lights also work good.
That size cage will hold a spotted all its life...my spotted really likes to climb so i would suggest some branches and other things to climb on.
I have used aspen shavings and potting soil for my spotted..both have worked very well.
Spotteds are very cool snakes and easy to take care of..good luck with yours

Forgot a few things...i would stay away from the gravel....
You may want to keep a spotted in somthing smaller until it grows some....a 10 gallon will work for along time

Thanks for the infoh