sign of heat pad to hot?

[mainbutter]

Also, for the heat pad, get a *thermometer gun* (not sure if that's what it's called); it measures temps on the ground.

I use an infrared digital thermometer to monitor temperature:
http://www.tempgun.com/order.html#pe1

A thermostat and/or rheostat to control the output of the heat pad are essential, I use the temp gun as a backup for double-checking the direct temperature on the heat pad.

Most heat pads run too hot, ~115-120F if uncontrolled.