How to properly get temp readings...new snake owner

[bsavage]

I'm sure someone has suggested this, but temp gun all the way. That will be accurate instantaneously, and so there is no waiting around for a digi thermometer to stabilize.

My suggestions would be to ditch a turf or carpet substrate if thats what you have and use something the snake can burrow into for extra warmth. Obviously, glass temp is important regardless, because you never know when you're snake may burrow. You can always try thinning the substrate on the warm side(as many UTH manufacturer's suggest). Try paper towels, eco earth, shredded newspaper. And also, have a nice hide on the cool side.Just incase something gets a little too hot in the process, you're ball won't feel so insecure and let itself get burned.

If you have already covered any of this stuff, disregard it and pat yourself on the back.

Also, since you're using an aquarium, you may want to have an extra small crock of water on the warm side to help keep humidity up in the cage.

My final suggestion-Switch to a tub, makes life so much easier in my opinion, for you and the snake(though some may disagree with the snake having it easier...)
my

Edit: My tub is set up with a probe directly above the bottom of the tub but under the substrate on the hot side. That's how I get hotside readings. My coolside is measured by the the same thermoemter at the other end of the enclosure, fastened to the side. Also, thios gives me my humidity reading. I get constant, steady readings of 93 on the hot sides and around 80 on the cooler sides. Even when temp falls at night, the UTH seems enough to sustain temperatures as I've never seen the coolside fall below 77 even if the house is somewhere around 72. And 77 is pretty rare. Usually sits right on 80. I really just dont suggest a lamp of heat emitter for your tank, it will throw your humidity right out of whack. I hope all this randomized bits of info are helpful to you in someway.