That is really interesting. The way I do it is that I have two thermometers with probes, one on each side of the tank. I put the probe of the warm side as close to being on the belly heat as i can. Since I can rarely put it directly on the cable (my cable is only grooved on the bottom of the cage so i gotta try to figure it out) i would say it is about an inch off of the cable, but on top of the paper towel. Then I have the base of the thermometer on the same side to get an ambient reading. I do the same with the cool side altho obviously i don't have a heat cable over there. I also put the probes under a hide. My readings have been very consistant with this method & there is generally little difference between the probe & the base. She seems to be a very happy little girl so I think I am doing it right. Thanks for the great info though, it is much appreciated.
So it sounds like by having it an inch away, that is the key. I am going to try it that way this weekend to see how it goes.