Proper way to check temps -

Hey, I was wondering ... whats the proper way to check temps?
For now I'm using an analog thermometers, placed about two inches off the bottom of the tank.

But I was wondering, isn't the ground and air temps two differen't things!?

I ordered a thermostat (thanks to gen) and I was wondering should I place the probe from thermostat on the floor of the Sterilite? To make sure the heat pad doesn't over heat.

well I'm gonna assume you have a BP. I personally place my thermostat probe on the ground in the warm hide that way the temp the probe feels is exactly the temp your snake feels. Analog thermometers for the most part are sub par and it would be best if you picked up an Acurite indoor/outdoor themometer/hygrometer from Walmart (they're about fifteen bucks). Look for the one with the probe and the grey screen that displays indoor temp, outdoor temp and humidity. The unit itself measures the indoor temp and humidity you can simply place the probe in the hot hide or on the floor on the warm side to get a warm temp reading with digital accuracy. Another good tool is a temp gun - check out http://www.proexotics.com for that fine device best price I've found thus far as well. :)

Thanks, I'll get a digital thermometer/hygrometer as soon as I get my thermostat ...
Yes, I have a BP ... Thanks for help.

hey no prob! Good to have you on the boards! :)

Yeah, what Jonah said.

Yay, I can't wait to get my setup perfectly complete! :D

I use the digitl thermometer/hygrometer like Jonah suggested. I also use a temp gun to spot check temps in different places of the enclosure. I absolutely love it. I allows me to get the specific temp under a hide or on a specific point on the substrate.