The temp probes are about 5 in above substrate. The enclosure is a 20 gal long. The back and sides of the tank are covered with dark paper. There is a towel over the cage most of the day as well(I keep an open spot for some air circulation).I use 2 upturned flower pots for his hides.I had to dremel out an entrance for him, they are clay(they aren't to big he fits very snugly). My BP is about 3 ft. My scale only measures up to 500 grams he is well over that. I got him when he was a yearling(he weighed less than 150 grams). I don't use a uth, so he is not at risk of burning himself.