Best substrate?

[Daltonf]

I have a 20gal glass tank with a uth (on a thermostat) and a heat lamp with a 60w red bulb. Im currently using aspen for a substrate. The uth is having a hard time making it through the aspen. I thought it might be broken, then I moved the aspen and touched the glass and dang near burnt myself. What substrate would help with the heat transfer? I dont want to have to use the lamp when shedding comes around, cuz it kills the humidity, but the uth cant keep the air or the bed warm by itself.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[Drako21]

Aspen is a really good substrate to use and is probably the most common. How thick do you have the aspen? You might want to thin it out a bit, especially on the hot side so it can get through to the top. You want about 1/2" of bedding.