What's the temp of your UTH?

So I have a Heat Pad stuck underneath my tank. I've been taking my temps on top of the substrate, but out of curiosity I decided to place the probe straight down through the substrate to measure the temp of the actual heating device and :O :O :O it read up to 125 within minutes. It doesn't take much experience to know that is dangerously high. Now the temp on the substrate is a consistent 93-94. I'm using about 1 1/2 to 2 in. of Aspen which I packed down when I first set up the tank. My BP hasn't attempted to burrow down into the substrate, but I'm still very concerned.

I ordered a Thermostat today, but even once I get it I don't want to have to set it to 125 on the heating device just to get a 93 reading on the substrate. Something must be wrong.
Am I using too much Aspen?
Should I have not packed it down? (I originally did b/c I figured it'd be harder to get through this way)

I don't want my BP to get burns, but this is the only way I'm able to get the right hot side temp. Please Help

I generally use about 1" of aspen. I also stick the probe for the thermometer right on the bottom of the tub, directly over the flexwatt. I adjust my thermostat until I get the probe to read aprox 94. They will burrow down in the substrate to get more heat if they want to.

That's not a bad idea...Maybe I'll remove some aspen during my next cleaning. I was nervous that if I test the temp under the substrate the actual surface temp would be too low. I guess their natural instincts would aid them in finding where the heat source was it if they were too cold? :confused: