The AccuRite is a 2-in-1. Tape is a hazard. Ball pythons are more likely to thrive in a small, cramped environment. You can stick a section of Flexwatt onto the bottom of a tank the same way you would a UTH pad. It's recommended that you don't use the sticky part of the UTH to attach it anyway, because if you ever have to remove it, you're very likely to damage it in the process. Bending them damages them, causing them to short out and have hotspots etc. It's better to leave the sticky along and use foil tape anyway. Ball pythons don't need to soak and normally don't, so a water dish big enough to accomodate that is not necessary. The lamp is only needed if your ambient temperatures aren't high enough, which is yet to be seen. The thermostat probe is recommended to go between the UTH and the tank, not on the outside. TAPE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN AN ENCLOSURE. You don't need several inches of aspen and it's probably not a good idea to have so much because of it's insulating effect. On top it will be cooler, but underneath it will be too hot. Two hides are recommended, especially if you're putting a baby in a 10gal glass tank. WHY ON EARTH would you pull the probe out of the AccuRite? The very idea is ASININE! And if you add plants, they ought to be fake with any metal parts removed. The moisture and soil involved in real plants is a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing your chances for a respiratory infection or scale rot.

So there are all the unnecessary and ill-advised parts of your posts and setup. I'm sorry for my attitude, but you are wrong and there's why. Feel free to explain what is wrong with my advice.