You want a good AcuRite digi thermometer/hygrometer. They are available right at Home Depot. I have a wireless one and it is awesome.
You can use a tank; I use them, though I admit they are a big pain to lug around at cleaning time; many people opt for a Rubbermaid container. They are lighter and easier to just carry into your bathtub to clean..
My main concern with my tanks is, an escape-proof lid. I have those locking clips that you can buy at a pet store for mine; the other tank is a "reptile type" aquarium with thinner glass and a slidig lid with a lock attached. You don't want to rely on books or rocks on top, to keep the lid on; snakes, especially strong little guys like BPs, can easily push that off. Make sure the locks work and keep that lid on there tight before getting your snake; my rule is, you should be able to lift the tank up by holding the lid! Yes, I am that demanding; I had an escapee years ago who died and it about killed me to find her frozen in my basement.
Substrates are all about preference. I like using paper towels for new snakes, to check on any presence of mites or ticks (easier to see there.) For heat tape, flezwatt on a thermostat is great. I would recomend covering a third of your tank floor with it to create a "hot spot" where you can put the hide on top of.
They really don't need anything to climb on; most things either present a danger (say, getting stuck inside a crevice of driftwood) or are just unnecessary. I do put a large, flat, rough rock in with each of mine; it helps to weigh down the paper towels and also acts as something "natural" for them to rub on in a shed.
There are so many little things about caging and keeping these guys; any other questions, please ask!