I'm currently gearing up to get ready for my first snake purchase in September when my city has it's reptile expo I have my 30qt tub, caves, and water bowl, and now I'm deciding on heat and temp control.

I'm going to pick up one of those AcuRite(I believe they're called) thermometers, and I'm going to do under tank heating as you all say it's the best

First off, is it okay to use any reptile-based heating pad for a plastic tub? Even if the package says for glass tanks?

Second, is it better for me to get say, an 8 watt 6"x8" pad as like the ZooMed UTH or is it better to get an 8 watt 10"x11" pad like the Exo-Terra UTH?

I know about thermostats as well, and I intend to get the ReptiTemp 500R as I've seen many recommend on here, unless someone else has a better product for a similar (maybe a litttttle more expensive) price.

Lastly, do the UTHs need to be stuck permanently on the tub? I notice they all have an adhesive backing, which seems pretty inconvenient in a way.

Thanks in advance!