Tub set up proper temp reading?

So I might be worrying a little to much, but I just need some clarification. I have 6qt tub set up. Using a uth with thermometer. Now when I read the bottom of the tub it is 93 on hot spot but in tub reads 86. The bp is reading at 89 body temp. Is she leeching the heat in tub so it's reading low? I'm using viva paper towels as substrate if that's important. Ambient is perfect at 78-80. So where should I check temps with my temp gun?

First question is do you have your UTH regulated by a thermostat? You need the hottest surface your BP can touch to not be hotter than 92. You'd want to have your temp gun read the surface of the tub under the paper towels where your hot spot is.

Yes I have a thermostat regulating the uth. That's what I thought to read inside but why is it reading 86 and the snakes body temp is 89?

If she's been hanging around her hotspot then she's been nicely warmed up :) When my bp has been curled up in his warm hide he feels warm, if he's been in his cool hide he feels cooler.

As for your hot spot reading 86, for clarification is that the surface temp under the paper towels inside the tub it's reading? If so and that's the hottest surface that your bp can touch you may wanna crank up your heat pad temp up until the hot spot reads closer to 89 or 90 (just not over 92). For example I have my UTH set to 94 for my pvc enclosure and I get a nice 89-90 hotspot.

Also how flush is your heat pad against the bottom of the tub? I find that sometimes the thermostat probe will cause a 'arch' or 'bubble' and not have some parts of the heatpad rest flat against the tub and that will sometimes not make things heat up as effectively.

Ya under the paper towel it's 86. I was finally able to find a completely flat tub so it does heat evenly now. Ill crank it up and check it in 20 mins. It is a clear tub maybe the laser is reading through it? Ill put something under it next time I read the temp. They have been eating and digesting there food.

Okay its 90 inside I just wanted to make sure I wasn't doing anything wrong but have it to low. I really appreciate your help.😀

Happy to help friend!