So, I have a 22 gallon enclosure (if I did the math right- It's 24"x18"x12"), and I bought a ZooMed UTH that was for 10-20g enclosures. It was way too small (barely covered 1/4 of the enclosure) so I returned it, and got one for a 30-40g, and currently have it stuck on. I have it turned on, so I could see what it would heat to, and I'm planning to get a thermostat for it, but in your opinion is it too big/strong, or will it be okay? It covers about 1/3 to 1/2.

The instructions/warning packet for the UTH says that if water gets spilled over where the UTH is, it could cause cracks. Is this true? Should I be worried? I have a large water bowl on the other side (I know I only need a small one, but it's to keep the humidity up). I'm using about an inch of aspen bedding.

Also, the cold side is around 76-78. Will that be okay?

I'm getting my first snake (a ball python) soon, so I'm trying to get everything correct before I do.