I'm having a hard time getting the temps right in my tank, I would appreciate to know how you get it distributed right. I have a brand new CB baby ball python, in a 20 gallon long tank. I have an infrared 100 w bulb, which in the daytime provides a balmy basking spot of about 95 deg F. the problem is, only a few inches below the climbing stick, the temps are only about 78. My python has spent the last 3 days in the warm sides hide, and I need the ground temperatures to get higher.

I used the dry substrate that you soak in water before putting it in the cage. Maybe the bottom layers are still moist, and because of the high specific heat of water it's still cold even after 5 days. The snake is kept in my apartment where the temperatures are stable, but dropping a bit at night.

Should I wait and see if it warms up? try an undertank heating pad? maybe adjust the height of the lamp and put in a higher wattage bulb.

Funny question, are undertank heating pads a fire hazard? The idea scares my girlfriend.

Thanks