1. you absolutely NEED a thermostat or a dimmer for the UTH.

2.55 gal is WAY to big. I would find something like plexiglass to divide the tank in half. You can gradually increase the size as the snake grows.

When using the accurite thermometer, make sure to put it directly on the glass above the UTH. You need to be measuring the closest spot that the snake could possible get to in order to avoid cooking your snake.

When you split the tank in half, you can put the light (or CHE) on the opposite end of the UTH to maintain a higher ambient temp (which will be easier with the tank split). You probably won't have a humidity problem with that substrate as long as you mist once a day. I personally use aspen as a substrate and it works great. It is easy to clean, absorbs moisture, keeps the smell down and looks great. You might consider switching . I just don't see the appeal in cleaning a cage full of dirt, lol.