can't keep heat up

I agree that 95 is too high especially if you don't have the ability to measure temps accurately most affordable devices are 2ºF high or low. Due to that I personally would say 91 (89-93 depending on the device)

The problem you have is that the enclosure has a huge heat loss. So first question what is it sitting on? What is the room temperature? Is there drafts in the room?

I'd try bundling a blanket around the sides of the container to try to hold a bit more heat in. Or try a folded towel on the lid. Add one not both and check the temps every 30 min until they stabilize with out a thermostat it can get out of control very quickly. If after they stop changing (usually a couple of hours) add the other either top or sides. Make sure the container isn't sitting on a cold floor or something that will sap heat like nothing else.

I have it sitting on a wood shelf next to my lizard cage. I figured the heat lamp on that tank would bump up the temp a couple of degrees and it did. I have a flukers digital thermometer/hygrometer on the cool side and it is reading 77 degrees now. I have another thermometer with a probe but where should I put the probe to get the correct temperature? And when I build my rack and get the flexwatt I will defianately have a thermostat.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MitsuMike

But you should still strive for excellence in everything that you do, settling for 2nd best is no way help new people.
They should strive for perfection, but if they are off a bit and that works for them let them figure that out for themselves.

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:O easy tiger.

LOL,

The OP already tried to get it just right. The temperatures they now have in the tub are perfectly within acceptable limits.

I usually place the probe for the hot side under the hot side hide, that is where they spend much of their time, in the hides. I am guessing the other one is mid way up the side? if so you may fine that closer to the bottom will give you a different reading anyway. Thermal gradient by definition is a variable temperature it isn't like a dividing line. Check at 'snake level' and see what you get it is often a touch warmer.

Wood is good, it will act as an insulator I'd try just adding something insulating on the sides. Your cool temp is well within a normal range in fact many breeders will cool at lower temps Dr. M Seward suggests a cool end as low as 75 over night to promote breeding. So 77 certainly isn't in a range that would be harmful as long as you have a hot spot in the high 80s low 90s. The concern is that over night you cool end temp will likely drop some 77 could easily become 72, which is low, a little insulation should help slow the heat loss and by the time it get quite low it will be day time and the ambient room temps will begin to pick up.