Temperature Probe Placement

[BPGator]

I'm sure this question has been asked, but I'm having trouble finding the answer. I've got my ball in a plastic tub. I'm using THG tape - one on hot side and one on cool side (my house is kept cold). I'm regulating the tape with a Herpstat 2 and the thermostat probes are taped directly to the heat tape, which is outside of the tub. Inside the tub I have newspaper with aspen over it. I have a thermometer probe on the hot and cool side; the probes are adhered directly to the bottom of the bin. In other words, the probe is under the newspaper. Hot side probe reads 95° and cool side is 88°. My problem is the temp on the surface of the aspen is only around 75° (from IR gun reading). Air temp in the tub is also low (humidity high). Seems like the newspaper and aspen are insulating. Can anyone give me recommendations on improving my thermometer placement so I can bring the temp up?

[PitOnTheProwl]

You have things set up correctly.
Regulated under tank heating is or a hot spot NOT ambient.
You need a room with warmer temperatures.
Why do you have newspaper and aspen?

[BPGator]

You have things set up correctly.
Regulated under tank heating is or a hot spot NOT ambient.
You need a room with warmer temperatures.
Why do you have newspaper and aspen?

I suppose it's not necessary to have both. I thought I read that somewhere for ease of cleaning or to protect the probe from being moved. I suppose I can either remove the paper completely or pop the probe through the paper.

As for having a warmer room, I really don't have that option anywhere in the house.

[PitOnTheProwl]

The only probe you don't want inside the enclosure is the thermostat probe, it cannot be moved I outside.
Your other option is to figure out how to heat that area with overhead or space heater.