I have a 41qt sideways rack I use for breeding in and love it.
The 11X12 flexwatt heats one end and the females have a really nice cool end to go to when they want to cool themselves for breeding.

A 28qt sideways rack with back heat would work fine for males forever just make sure it's not so hot that they NEED to cool off. I'd keep the hot spot in the back no higher than 88-89 degrees depending partly on the rooms ambient temp.

I don't let most of my younger snakes have hides unless they prove to be picky eaters.
None of my large snakes have hides.