Heatmat troubles

[LJR]

So I am just beginning to setup a ball python habitat but have seem to run into a bit of a problem. I have a zoomed heating mat and a hydrofarm thermostat, but was a little confused on how to set them up safely. Unlike the guides that I have seen, which use an Ultratherm, the zoomed mat is one solid piece, and mentions on the cover and in the manual to make sure there are no bubbles between the adhesive on the pad, and the glass. So I am worried that if I put the thermostat probe under the mat, the mat may not function properly. I was considering putting the probe on the inside of the tank, but was worried that if I do not tape it it will move around too much, and if I do tape it, the snake will get into it. Does anyone have experience with this. Could I put the probe on the inside. I'm using eco earth, so whether the probe would move to much, I don't know, but it could be risky if it does. And I don't know if the snake could bury itself far enough down there, but again, I'm not sure. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Dezoruba]

It's fine to put the probe between the pad and the glass. It wont make any difference with the functionality of the pad. Just try to make that the only air pocket if you can!

Don't put the probe inside the tank. The snake can and will burrow down to it and move it or get stuck on the tape. It's just better not to risk it!

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[PitOnTheProwl]

Easiest is to foil tape the mat (glue to glue) to make it moveable and then use foil tape to attach.

[bcr229]

You don't have to put the t-stat probe in the center of the pad, it can go off to one side or under a corner. Just make sure to use an IR thermometer / temp gun to measure the temperature of the floor of the tub and adjust the thermostat up or down accordingly.