Heating Glass Tank

My ball is currently in a 30 gallon tank, and needs to be moved to my 55 gallon tank.

Currently I have a UTH for a 30 gallon, and a dimmer on the 30 gallon tank. I was thinking about leaving all that on there eventually for another snake that wouldn't get to big for the tank.

I was thinking about using flex watt heat tape to heat the 55 gallon. One problem is that I don't know how much heat tape to use.

The stand also has nothing directly under the glass bottom. So it would probably let to much heat escape. What should I do about that?

I was also thinking of upgrading from the dimmer (rheostat) to a thermostat. How hot does the flex watt get? If it doesn't get to hot then would it make a difference if I kept using a rheostat?

Thanks for any help.

i don't use flexwatt, but i know that it needs to be connected to a thermostat. my best advice would be to get in contact with Rich from ReptileBasics. he will be able to help you with any questions or equipment you need to pick up