Im about to get a ball python in September , having already a bunch of reef aquariums and crested gecko im no noob to research i try to do everything right the first time but its always a learning procress ! ahah

so i have pvc enclosure roughly about 22x22 for the bottom surface area.

anyways im running some THG heat tape controlled by a v100 thermostat. also going to keep some coco husk for substrate.

anyways im going for 90 degree on the hot side and 80 on the cool side correct? anyways how high can i run the heat tape so ensure that the temperatures are correct as obviously if i put 90 on the thermostat the temp gun reads significantly lower. so what temperature can i set the thermostat safely? i got a 2 feet by 6" wide heat tape as that's what was suggested but im thinking of going maybe 1.5feet lenght by 12" wide heat tape to cover more area.

any suggestions? my basement gets a little bit cold in the winter but im going to get a whole room heater and keep the heat tape instead of getting a radiant heat panel unless i realize that i have no option but to get one but we shall see.