The idea of the under tank heating is to make a temperature gradient so the snake can choose for himself what temp to slither to. So when he's cold, he goes to the warm side. When warm, go to cooler side. So you should have atleast one hide on each side, so he can hide and be good, temp-wise. Having a hide on one side might not be good for the snake, because say he's too warm, but BPs love to hide. He'll most likely hang out in the warm side, even if he's too hot and would rather chill in the cool side. I'd put a hide on each end, and a water dish in the center. Maybe that'd be better.