thermostat probe placement

So I have my thermostat probe directly under the UTH on the outside of the tub and notice by doing so it creates quite a gap between the tub and uth. I'm still playing around with the temps and I keep having to turn it up. I have it set to 96 and inside,using a temp gun, it's reading 90. I continue turning the thermostat up, correct?

There are a few ideas on probe placement your description is one method it works well in stable room temps but needs attention in rooms that change the temp often.

Under variable room temps I usually place the probe inside directly over the uth. The probe must be secure it must not move under any conditions or placement. I use hot melt glue to hold it firm. This internal placement keeps the temp stable even as the room temps change and does not require adjustment at all.

Against the heat tape outside of the tub, but not under the tub.
There's just too much risk putting a thermostat probe inside any enclosure imo.

I'm in a cool room and the temp always fluctuates.

If your room temperature is not stable then I would drill a hole in the back of your tub (or the side that the flexwatt is on) the hole should be 3/8" in diameter. You then insert the thermostat probe into the tub through this hole, and hot glue it to the bottom of the tub. Do not use tape at all, or apply hot glue on the probe itself. If you cover the cord of the probe that is in the tub and add just a drop to the tip of the probe it should not move at all... but you should check that the probe is still secure at least once a week. This should solve your temperature problems. If the probe is in the tub I would set the thermostat for 90 degrees.

I have my probe inside the tank. I drilled a hole in the tank, inserted the probe and then I duct taped the cord on the OUTSIDE of the tank. That way, the probe has extra security and even if it happens to move back and fourth inside the tank (which is doesn't, but just INCASE), it will always be over the UTH and it cannot slide all the way out onto the floor, which would be death. As long as the tape is on the OUTSIDE, this is a good method in conjunction with hot gluing, and I want all the security I can get.

This new phenomenon will come to bite someone badly one of these days :(

It has not been an acceptable practice to put thermostat probes inside enclosures, why is it all of a sudden ok, because of hot glue?

I have to agree...hot glue CAN and WILL come loose. Sounds like a burn waiting to happen when one day your bp gets a little feisty...

ive places it on the heat tape and measure the tus and bumped up the thermostat accordingly

I have a question then. I'm using zoo med carpet. My thermostat should get here tomorrow. I was going to place the probe between the carpet and glass and secure it there. With the hide and everything thing else, my snake can't get under the carpet ( also have Velcro strips on the bottom of the carpet in a few places ). This should be fine shouldn't it ? I don't see anyway for my BP to get at the probe. But I'm a newbie so ....