Ahh that makes more sense! haha

Your positioning is pretty smart especially since the way you have it set up. When you get a thermostat, I would put the probe under the substrate right where the UTH is (inside the enclosure). The thermometer probe always goes inside the enclosure, the thermostat probe always goes on the outside.

It is unlikely for the snake to become burned with the repticarpet although they always do seem to find their way into the nooks and crannies we don't want them in. Although it is very unlikely, it is still possible. Just make sure you check on the snake every once in a while to make sure it hasn't gotten under there. Once or twice a day should be fine. Remember, poking around the snake and constantly watching it will stress the snake and you out!