Seconding a few things--absolutely get a controlling device for the heat pad. Absolutely don't use tape inside the enclosure--there's not a snake I have heard of that won't stick itself to tape, lol. It's really difficult to get the snake free of the tape, their skin is delicate.

The stuff in the brick is ground coconut fiber. Eco-earth is one brand name. It's ok for providing humidity, but don't use it everywhere in an enclosure, as ball python bedding should be dry--they are very prone to blister disease and skin infections in a damp environment. Humidity should be 60%.

As for nippy baby ball pythons--just leave them alone until they're older, and the vast majority of them will stop on their own. You can also use a tap stick to gently push the snake's head down and encourage it to ball up instead of striking. No dominating involved. Some hatchlings are so wired that you will need a mini snake hook to get through those first few months, though, lol. (We've had just a few over the years that will throw themselves all over the place trying to bite, and would not calm at all).