How to get correct temperatures?

So I'm getting my first ball python (first snake) this weekend, and I'm currently in the process of trying to get my temperatures right. I have an Animal Plastics T8 with the divider, a Herpstat 2 and some digital indoor/outdoor thermometers from Home Depot. I have been checking my temperatures with a temperature gun, also from Home Depot. I am using 11 inch flexwatt heat tape. The cool side is at around 72 degrees and my hot side is... well.. it's uneven. One part of it is 98, another is 81, another is 85... you get the idea. The heat tape is in the center of the cage (keep in mind the divider is in, so it heats the areas of both areas near the divider). How can I even out my warm side temperatures and heat up my cool side? I most definitely know I don't have the right temperatures. All help appreciated!

Where do you have the thermostat probe placed and how do you have it secured to the heat tape?

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Originally Posted by Eric Alan

Where do you have the thermostat probe placed and how do you have it secured to the heat tape?

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The thermostat probe is in the back of the hot side of one of the divided mini-cages. It is around 87 degrees where the probe is. I'm not sure I understand what you mean by how do you have it secured to the heat tape, but the heat take is plugged into output 1 on the Herpstat if that helps any.

Photos would help.
The probe should be between the heat tape and the bottom of the enclosure, both mounted on the outside.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Photos would help.
The probe should be between the heat tape and the bottom of the enclosure, both mounted on the outside.

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Wait, the probe goes on the outside? I'll try and get pictures when I have a chance.

The probe goes directly on the heat tape (on the outside of the enclosure), yes.

Check out this thread about how to properly set up a AP T8: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=165571

If you notice, on the back-bottom of the cage, there's slots. The Herpstat probe goes in there. I put a small strip of foil tape so it doesnt fall out.
http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14...8c70795f8d.jpg

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Haha, newbie mistake. I thought it was supposed to go inside the cage. I'll move it when I get home. I'll let you know if it helps! Thank you! xD

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Originally Posted by Penultimate

Haha, newbie mistake. I thought it was supposed to go inside the cage. I'll move it when I get home. I'll let you know if it helps! Thank you! xD

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it would be best to put the probe under the hottest spot in the tank, but under the tank on the outside. I keep mine 87- 89 checking the inside with a temp gun and a digital temp. that I place in every couple of days just to make sure...cool side 78 -82 typically stays 79 and 80.....as for evenly heated you will have different temps within 3 to 4 in. apart...

Ok, I moved the probe and set the Herpstat to 110 degrees. The temperature on the substrate (aspen) is about 70-75 on the warm side, so it either needs to be heated up more or isn't up to temperature yet. It's still around 70 on the cool side.