Hi guys, I'm new to this site and new to owning a BP. So I just got my baby ball python last friday. He is about 9 months old and around 16-18 inches. He is so perfect for me! Atlas, is active and adorable. But I want to give him the best possible and so I need help with a few things. I have him in a 20 gallon long glass tank which already puts me at a disadvantage. I have a UTH on the right side with a hide and on the left (cooler) side I have a water dish and another hide. I also have a heat lamp I use throughout the day but I know that dries out the air. I stupidly bought the stick on dial to gage humidity and temps. I'll be buying something else because I know how innacurate those are. About humidity..I'm not to worried about it because i've been wetting a washcloth and draping it over the top..plus my room is small and it gets stuffy and humid naturally. And lastly...I got him from the local CountryMax where there are some snake experts who work there. They were very helpful and really took care of their snakes. They told me he had to he assist fed which I know is a last resort. Last night I tried to get him to eat (he eats frozen thawed) and I first dangled it infront of him..no interest...I had watched videos and watched the guy at the store try to feed him so I know what to do but he freaked out when I held his jaw and I didnt want to stress him out that badly so I put him away and left the food for him. Its now morning and he didnt eat it. I know pythons are finicky eaters also. So I'm wondering if because hes new here and maybe my temps are off is why he won't eat.
My questions are
1) Should I use a different overhead heat source?
2) What exactly should I use to monitor temps?
3) Eating? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I just want to do right for him so any tips about anything I would appreciate. Thanks!