The tape is just on the outside to close the top since the clips are too large and slip off. Yes, I probably should check the UTH more often since I was worried it might have gotten too hot, the gap between the aquarium and the desk is far so I'll just judge by feeling.
Edit: I see there are a few things I can do to improve the setup. I'm going to get a night heat bulb and another light for the day and some foil tape. If someone could answer why my ball python is behaving like this it would really be nice.