im kind of new

but i was wondering if i should put my thermometer for the hot side on top of the aspen substrate or directly on the bottom above the UTH. because if i put it on the bottom it obviously reads higher than ontop of the substrate. and i was thinking that it really only matter what the temp is on the aspen, because thats where my bp is. i have like 2.5 inches of the aspen. someone help.

Hi and welcome. :handshake


My suggestion would be to remove most of the aspen and just leave a small layer of it. You only need it to absorb wastes...the snakes don't need a "cushion" to lay on. Having a thin layer will make your UTH work much more effeciently, and safer as well. As it is now, it's likely that the UTH must get really hot in order to heat the top layer of substrate warm enough. And if the snake should decide to go under the substrate, or just wiggle out a little depression in it under his hide...you risk burns when it comes in contact with the glass.

If your UTH is running without any sort of control and you are using that thick layer of substrate to try and control the warmth of the basking spot...you need to really consider ordering a t-stat or at the very least, getting a rheostat from the hardware store so that YOU can control the amount of heat the UTH puts out and keep it at safe levels.

Good luck with it!