What's the temp of your UTH?

[BigCeC43]

So I have a Heat Pad stuck underneath my tank. I've been taking my temps on top of the substrate, but out of curiosity I decided to place the probe straight down through the substrate to measure the temp of the actual heating device and it read up to 125 within minutes. It doesn't take much experience to know that is dangerously high. Now the temp on the substrate is a consistent 93-94. I'm using about 1 1/2 to 2 in. of Aspen which I packed down when I first set up the tank. My BP hasn't attempted to burrow down into the substrate, but I'm still very concerned.

I ordered a Thermostat today, but even once I get it I don't want to have to set it to 125 on the heating device just to get a 93 reading on the substrate. Something must be wrong.
Am I using too much Aspen?
Should I have not packed it down? (I originally did b/c I figured it'd be harder to get through this way)

I don't want my BP to get burns, but this is the only way I'm able to get the right hot side temp. Please Help

[Royalherper]

I generally use about 1" of aspen. I also stick the probe for the thermometer right on the bottom of the tub, directly over the flexwatt. I adjust my thermostat until I get the probe to read aprox 94. They will burrow down in the substrate to get more heat if they want to.

[BigCeC43]

That's not a bad idea...Maybe I'll remove some aspen during my next cleaning. I was nervous that if I test the temp under the substrate the actual surface temp would be too low. I guess their natural instincts would aid them in finding where the heat source was it if they were too cold?