The UTH is warm to the touch but definitely not what I'd call hot...It and the light have been keeping the tank between 86 and 92 during the day, but when I turn the light off at night, it doesn't do great. This may not be a problem for much longer, as the heat in the house has not been turned on yet (I live in VT so the nights get pretty cold, but I'm a full time student, and therefor frequently short on cash). Once we turn it on, the ambient temp in the room should go up, and help keep him a little warmer. If not, though, would you recommend a different UTH or a ceramic bulb? (The one I have now is ReptiTherm I believe.)