Yes definitely add more hides and more decoration to keep it more secure. What you can also do like in that tutorial for the glass setup is cover 3 sides of the tank with paper so the snake doesn't feel like it is being open on all sides. You can also crumple up newspaper balls and add it to the tank if you are unable to get decorations. Mine definitely enjoys silken plants and plastic plants.
You'll definitely want an identical hide on the cool side so the python doesn't feel like it has to sacrifice security for regulating its temperature.
As far as I know Lowes does not have proper thermostats but since your ambient temperature is around 86 I feel like it would be safer to turn the heat mat off for now. I know you can get hydrofarms on amazon. I Just got one for $26 with amazon prime here.
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S
It has a temperature swing but it works fine for its purpose and has worked well for many other users as well. The herpstat is just very accurate and definitely worth the investment.
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