thermostat and thermometer display different temps

I looked for a thread like this so it isn't a repost, but I couldn't find this particular question. I have a zoo med UTH connected to a Jump Start thermostat, and I followed the guideline here to make sure I did it correctly. (You probably know the one; looks like crayon) So that's probably not the issue.

What IS driving me crazy is that my thermostat and probe thermometer temperatures are different on the warmer side. No matter what temp I set the thermostat, the thermometer is off by a solid five degrees at least. For example, I set my thermostat to 92, my thermometer reads 87. Should they both read the exact same? I don't know which one to trust. I loaned my temp gun to a friend who just got a new BP so in a few days I can just figure it out, but in the meantime I don't want to cook or freeze my snake.

Sorry for the long post. I am a bit frustrated right now. :/

Just because you set the temp doesn't mean the heat source has obtained that temperature. When the thermostat setting is higher than the temp that is being read the thermostat should be 'on' so that the heat source is still trying to get to the temp you set. Make sense? If you can never get your temp to where you have set them it means your heat source is not powerful enough.

Thank you, that mostly makes sense. I actually just went to check on the temps and his thermometer reads 91.2. His thermostat setting is 93 even. That's the first time they've ever matched that closely. Odd. Like they know I'm talking about them behind their backs.

93 is a touch high. I'd set it to 90. Sounds like the heater is working just fine though. :)

He has a respiratory infection and I was told to bump up the temp by a couple degrees. I've also been told to lower it. :/ but in the end, higher won. He will be back to a more normal temp very soon. :)

Isn't your thermostat prob on the outside of the tub and the thermometer probe on the inside? If that's the case, the thermostat is going to have to be higher so the inside of the tub can have the proper temp right?

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The tub is dissipating some of the heat.
You are on the right track. :gj:

Ah, the higher heat with the respiratory makes sense. :)

I set mine at 93 so that the hot spot will be 90 on the snake's side of the glass.

If the thermostat probe is in between the UTH and the glass/plastic, and the thermometer probe is on the snake side of the plastic, of course they'll show different temps. It's just Tha Way Things Are :D.

Thanks so much, you all! :)