I tried taping it in between the plastic tub and the uth but it's hard to get the temps up like that. I bought a cheap thermostat and I wish I hadn't now. The probe is as large as my pinky it is HUGE! I have it taped to the floor in the corner of the hot hide right now. I'll lay some paper towel down then put some aspen on top of that. I was always told to take the temp at the closest spot the snake can touch so I have been taking it directly on the plastic above the uth.