Thermostat/Temperature Reading Questions

Hi,

Ok so here is my situation. I am semi new and figured out most of what I think, but when I check the temperatures to ensure the thermostat is working properly, the only way I can get an accurate reading is if I put the sensor right against the glass (move the bedding out of the way) but the snake sleeps on bedding, I don't think he is right down on the glass... so do I adjust the thermostat to make it warmer factoring that the snake is not going to be right against the glass?

I set it for 90 and against the glass it will read 90, but half inch of bedding and the temp drops to about 86..

So do I leave it set for 90, or set it for like 95 so that it will actually be like 90 on top of the bedding?

:(

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I do notice he moves the bedding out of the way, almost always when I get him out the bedding is very thin layer, like he snuggled against the glass lol.

They will burrow..... You want to take your temperatures off of the hottest surface your animal can touch.

Ok thanks. I will run off the glass then. For the cool side, should have a UTH or just use overhead ceramic heater? Does cool side need thermostat if I use the tank mat, or na?

Also, ideal temps for hot and cold sides?

What is your ambient temperature?
Any heat source need to be regulated.