I would get black poster board and cover 3 sides of your tank also, it will make your ball python feel more secure.

I also really don't like the half log hides for ball pythons and I wouldn't use them if I were you. While they look nice they are too open, not dark and over all not really good for ball pythons IMO. Some people use them and seem to have sucess but why chance it IMO. If you have the extra money and don't want to make your own something like this is GREAT for hides from Rich at Reptile Basics (you can find them other places also):http://www.reptilebasics.com/hide-boxes

Some times the opening is in the front of the hide like this:http://www.npicages.com/abs_plastic_hide_boxes.html I don't know this company and I like the ones that open from the sides better (and Rich is great to order from) but I figured I would show you what the abs black hides look like with a front opening look like.

If you don't want to spend the extra mony you can always make your own also. Some great home made hide ideas:http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...0-Hides-my-way

Here is a nice tutorial on how to set up a glass tank (this person opted to use black non-stick shelf liner to cover 3 sides of the tanklk with and that works perfect also): http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...p-w-pics-*DUW*

Good luck with everything