What are the essentials?

[BeccaBurrr]

Hey Rebecca! Another fellow Becca here! It sounds like you've done some decent research to get your little guy started. I've only been a BP enthusiast for a few months now, so I can't give advice for all of your questions. I think the most important thing you need to get is a thermostat for your UTH, as I've seen and heard some pretty awful burn stories. As far as a feeding schedule goes, I try to keep a consistent 7 day schedule with a meal that's approximately the size of the largest portion of their body (or just a tad bigger). This seems to work nicely for my girl. I did feed her a day early this week though, just because she seemed like she was trying to scout out food last night when I had her out. Two hides is good..though I'm not sure about also adding a humid hide..somebody else will have to answer that. I usually only use a humid hide when she's in shed, but it might not hurt to have one since you live in a dry region. Something you can do to help him feel more secure and to settle in is cover 2 or 3 sides of his tank so he doesn't feel so exposed. I've heard people do this with just paper and it helps. I use suction cupped plants for this and it seems to work alright for her.

I assume if he isn't head-shy or skittish, he probably won't have too hard of a time getting used to his new home. Personally, I'd try feeding him a meal tomorrow or the next day, since it's been quite a while since his last meal. Somebody else might have different advice for this, it's just what I would do. I'd be too scared that he was starving.
Welcome to the boards and the addiction!