how hot is too hot?

my warm side is running about 95-96, cool side about 87-88, and ambient temp is 80. should i use more substrate so the hot side doesnt get so hot?

That's a bit on the hot side IMO. I only keep mine with a warm side of 88-89 but many keep at slightly higher temps. What are you using to control the uth?

You can use a dimmer to lower the heat or get a thermostat! Therostats are great! You never have to worry about temps! You can get a cheap one for $25!

Wow...high temps usually adult bps are good with 93*F sometimes mine go out to the koOl side when it reaches that temp...but not anymore since I bought a thermostat...

I would say 90° for the hot side because temperatures can rise/fall pretty quick. I prefer to be on the safe side.

That is to hot IMO. My hot side is kept at 90. My cool side is kept at 85.

ya try to tone it down a few degrees. also, watch how ur BP reacts. check if they are spending a lot of time on the cool end, or watch for signs of stress that indicate that it might not be happy.

i understand that some BPs will soak if it gets too hot, so just watch for the signs.

Yeah, i would drop about 5 deg. on both sides and you should be good.Adding mor substrate will drop it a little but they will mat it down eventually. Always be able to control your temps externally if your not using a thermostat. A temp gun is worth its weight in gold for husbandry.