In the wild, ball pythons naturally have a cool down period in the winter. Just because Africa is known for searing heat does not mean they do not have a winter. I agree with the 11" - 12" heat tape. Where I am from heat tape only comes in 3", 6", and 12" so I guess it depends where you get it from. I do not think you will need a second heat source.

Thermometers should always have probes. Those "stick to the sides" analog ones do not work well. They should be digital and have probes on both the cold and hot side. A hydrometer is hydrometer and anyone will do (still in my opinion digitals are better).

Not really sure why you would need a divider... explain?

Cypress mulch mixed with coconut husk will do well with keeping in humidity. This is what I use for my boa. Paper and paper towel are no better for keeping humidity then aspen is.

Depending on how dark it is in your room (or wherever you plan on keeping your ball python), LED lights may stress your ball python. Ball pythons are not decorative snakes and LED lighting my do more harm than good. Doesn't mean you cannot use it as long as your ball python continues to eat and stays active at night.