Just chipping in here as an admitted newbie, but Reed the reasoning behind not putting the probe in the tank is that if it gets bumped by the snake (and it is likely to) it can very quickly and easily cause the heat mat to heat and heat to the point of endangering the snake. Without the thermostat probe on the mat the pad is trying to heat to the thermostat set point, but since the probe isn't reading the mat anymore it will just get hotter and hotter. The reasoning behind not putting tape in the tank should be obvious, do you really want to chance it when you could just get it set up safely outside the tank? You should always use a thermostat and it should always be safely out of reach of any animal in the tank.
Both my thermostats (ball python and leopard gecko) are set up taped to the bottom of the heat mat outside the tank. I did have some trouble with one of them at first, but it is an admittedly older style model and it has stabilized quite a bit now. Many will tell you it should be fine to peel back the UTH just enough to get the probe in between it and the glass. Personally, I was afraid to risk it. I trust them and I am sure that it works some, maybe even most of the time, but because I am paranoid I figured I would just sleep better at night not having to worry about a fire hazard from possible damage to the internal wiring. It is your call but I am just casting my vote for taping the probe to the bottom of the tank on the center of the heat mat. Just be sure of course to allow adequate ventilation under the tank (I believe a quarter to a half inch is recommended) It is safe and it works fine. And whatever you do, please please never put tape in your tank, regardless of who may claim it is fine.
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