You can also get a thermometer/hygrometer at walmart for $8. You HAVE to know your temps and your humidity. Please take a look at the ball python caresheet as well.
I would try to find something else to keep him in. Wal-Mart sells 10 gallon tanks for about $10 and that would be much easier keeping your temps and humidity in.
As far as sitting in the corner, a few of mine have done that the first day I got them, but they figured out to get inside the hide after a while, just give him time.
Will that work with heat tape. I know that might be a dumb question, but I have no experience with heat tape and am going to be using it on a setup i'm working on.