Hides are completely your choice. I have hides in almost all of my tubs (clear as well) and they are used. Others I see never using the hide so I will remove it for more floor space. My large girls (that are still in 32) are 1/2 hide and then 1/4 for the water but they lay on top of the hide as well so its kinda like having a 2 story house.
Funny you mention the 2 story house! I just moved my snakes from (roomy) display cages to a small rack. Sure enough, this female's first move was to go on top of the hide!
I will give them a week to get comfortable in their new digs before i try to feed.