So, I recently brought home my first BP, and I thought I had done plenty of research. I also asked the people at the store a THOUSAND questions each. Even asked them if I missed anything and they laughed at me. I'd been prowling websites, reading books, talking to reptile store managers, but none of them mentioned buying a thermostat.

When I set up the tank I put the UTH (S) on the one side and covered it with about 2 inches of Aspen. I had put the probe about a centimetre deep in the Aspen because I didn't think my bp would go much deeper than that. It read between 87-90, never higher or lower. Recently I've been browsing this website more and more because my BP hasn't left his cool side.

I read a few posts saying that you are supposed to put the thermometer probe ON THE GLASS. That the bps can and generally will burrow down and burn themselves if its not regulated. Worried- I immediately did so and found that on the glass it went up to 115. I was so mortified and worried I immediately unplugged it. Luckily it's summer and my apartment is about 80F right now.

I am going to go buy a thermostat tomorrow even if I have to put it on credit. I would like to know which is best and most accurate, also how to attach it to my UTH which is an Exo Terra Desert Heat Wave.

I feel so awful and stupid for not knowing. I lifted the hide and it doesn't look like he dug in or anything. I'm tempted to take him out and check him over but at the same time it's only his 2nd day here and i don't want to stress him out. What should I do?