First time owner- heating questions

Hi all,
I set up a tub enclosure for my baby ball python, Leon and have a few questions regarding heating. I placed the uth underneath the tub and have it hooked up to a thermostat set at 95-98 degrees. I have two thermometers set on each end of the tub as well as a hygrometer. The thermometer probe is wired through a hole near the bottom of the tub and is sitting right on top of where the uth is with newspaper laid down.
My humidity is at 50-60% so that is fine. But I'm having some confusion with the temperature. I don't know if it is just the thermometers I have (Great Choice, generic Petsmart thermometer) but the temperature on the warm side seems to be the same temperature as the cool side. They're both reading around 80-82 degrees. For right now, the great choice thermometer is sitting on the newspaper right above the uth and is only reading about 80 degrees instead of in the low 90s. Do you think that is right or is my thermometer just a piece of junk. I have to have the heat in my apartment set higher to keep the temps up in case thermometer isn't reading right.

SO my question is, should I trust the thermometer gauge is reading right? And if so, what more should I do to raise the surface temp? I do plan on buying a temp gun after this fiasco just in case.

I've had Leon since last night and he seems to be comfortable in his tub, exploring everywhere and also ate a f/t hopper today.

Your input is greatly appreciated. :)

[IMG]http://i1308.photobucket.com/albums/...ps9vzbgsoc.jpg[/IMG]

Try turning up the thermostat. Right now mines at 103. But the surface of the hot spot is 90.

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Also pictures of your set up and a list of parts and brands would help.

You want to know the temperature of the floor of the tub UNDER all bedding.

Thanks guys! I got it figured out, it was the crappy thermometer I had. I bought a digital one with a probe and turns out everything was the right temps all along. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Yodawagon

Try turning up the thermostat. Right now mines at 103. But the surface of the hot spot is 90.

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Hey Yodawagon!
May I ask what type of tank you are using, what type of substrate, and how thick it is?
Im just amazed by the ability for 103 at the UTH to turn into 90 on the surface.
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

Quote:

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Originally Posted by HenryTheSnake

Hey Yodawagon!
May I ask what type of tank you are using, what type of substrate, and how thick it is?
Im just amazed by the ability for 103 at the UTH to turn into 90 on the surface.
Thanks,
HenryTheSnake

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My settings are pretty similar with a plastic tub and paper towel substrate. I think the issue, at least in my case, is a combination of the thermometer probe for the thermostat being taped directly to the heat tape, to help prevent overheating, the gap between the tub and the heat tape with slightly raised bottom tubs, and the plastic tube being a pretty good insulator. I'm set at 99 on the thermostat and reading 92 at the hottest spot where the tub dips down and is directly on the tape, 90 in the warmest spots of the raised area.