Alrighty, started setting up my tank last night after I got the thermostat and having a bit of an issue getting the hot side up to par. I am using the hydrofarm thermostat, the UTH is a zilla 30-40g. I used the foil tape method (mentioned in the sticky about setting up tank). Removed the paper backing, covered with foil tape, secured thermostat probe in the middle of uth with tape, then applied to bottom (outside, underneath tank) with more tape. Right now I have the thermostat set to 100 (way to high imo, but sheesh!) and my accurite (probe placed exactly over where the stat probe is, on the glass inside the cage) is only reading 87. I just can't seem to wrap my head around how the stat probe is reading 100, and the glass knocks it down to 87?? I'm using cypress mulch bedding, right at or a little less than 1/2" in depth. I've also temp gunned all over the hot side and not getting a reading over 86. Is the foil tape causing a problem with heat distribution? Should I set the stat even higher? Remove all bedding and put down paper as a test? It's been heating / set up for 14hrs. The cool side is reading 76-78, going to get a red light on dimmer to bring the ambient up to 80, will that help get the hot side hide to 90?

I do not have any snake in this cage, working on getting it perfect long before I get my little one. Any idea's are appreciated. Thanks guys & gals