I just set up a new tank for my baby pastel a few days ago. I moved him to a 20 gallon long tank from his 10 gallon tank. He is thriving and doing really well and is getting used to being handled since I have only had him for 2 weeks and only picked him up twice. I just would like to know does anyone use a dimmer as a control for a heat pad? I would invest in a herpstat or hydrofarm but they are pretty pricey to only heat one tank. I might get a hydrofarm though. My Acurite probe measures the temperature directly on the bottom glass between the bedding and heat pad at 93 degrees but this barely warms the surface temperature above the bedding. The Dimmer I am using is set in the medium setting, the highest setting bringing the probe measurement to 113 degrees which is way to hot but still barely warms the substrate. My snake would rather bask under the red lamp or go under the log on that side which is around 85 degrees. I can't seem to get a accurate warm and cool side since the heat pad gives off little heat into the air or on the surface of the substrate since my house is so cold. ANy input will be appreciated.