Consistent Temperature?

I'm having trouble with heating my ball python's tub. One side is 80, the other side I try to keep around 85 - 90. I use a UTH with a thermostat. The problem is, the heating is not consistent on the hot side. The thermostat allows the temperature to go as low as 80 before turning on, then raises to around 93. How can I make the temperature more consistent? Or is this normal for a thermostat?

Welcome to the site

What thermostat are you using?

On/off style thermostats will do this, but this seems like an extreme case.

Sounds to me like you need a better thermostat.

Thank you! I'm using a Zilla thermostat with a Zoo Med UTH. http://www.petco.com/product/108340/...ntrollers.aspx Ah, that's what I feared. :( I'd love to get a Herpstat, but that's not really in my budget. -sigh-

The hydrofarm thermostat from amazon is about $30 and, while it isn't the best, it will keep your temps in range much better. Other options are the ranco thermostat from Reptile basics for $75 I believe. Though the best ones are usually around $100. You get what you pay for in this case.

Yeah, the zoo med and Zilla thermostats are junk (all thermostats sold at pet stores are overpriced junk)

The hydrofarm thermostat still has a temperature swing, but it isn't nearly as bad.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S

The Ranco has a swing but it is much better than the hydrofarm:

http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco-etc-111000-pre-wired

The best is a proportional thermostat, as they do not have any swing:

Herpstat http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

Alrighty, thanks guys, much appreciated. I'll definitely be replacing the thermostat with one of your choices!