Deborah,
I agree this was my largest concern, so I tested it. I took a herpstat ND and a 11" flexwatt and placed the probe like I usually do and the substrate I use and poured one full water bowl that I use (I have never had a snake tip one they are low and wide and super heavy but...) about 3 oz maybe 4 oz as I said full one I use there was no point in measuring it my test. The result was yes the probe cooled very quickly so did the bottom and the HS said 100% for about 20 min the effect was the temp slowly lifted to about normal temps in about 45 min. The water acts as a heat sink there was no spike at all. I also tested pudding on the probe (poo simulation) this caused a small spike it hit 98º on the bottom it lasted for 10 min before the probe settled down. I used a data logger to keep track of the results.
I tested placing the probe between the heat source and glass (1/4 plate) and use a data logger to record the results. When the sun hits the wall of my place the temp spikes up the probe being insulated from the room over heated the glass to 107º for 8 min and then it started to slowly drop down over 15 min. The afternoon the sun is blocked by the ridge behind me and the temp drop rapidly this saw a fall in temps to 81º for 30 min before the probe caught up this is a single day cycle. I would have to alter the temp settings fairly frequently to keep the temps with in safe limits. Yesterday we saw a 18ºC drop in outside temps that is 2 adjustments to keep it ok. Today is 10º different again so again one more. Tonight is not such a large jump so it is fine. This is exactly my point everybody says there is big spikes if water pee poo is spilled but I have tested it and never been able to make it happen nor have I ever recorded it. My question is have you?
I have absolute control over all my temps they are consistent to 0.5ºF cool side temps and war as well as control over ambient temps. Is it necessary? I can't say but if you believe they 'live' in termite mounds (I don't buy it myself but ignoring that) the temps should be basically stable with in a degree. I don't believe this but many do, I don't believe that a 10º variation is good under any circumstances so the only way i have to protect against this radical shift (as I work 8 hours an day and cannot sit and watch temps all day) is an internal placement. I am sure that in a regulated snake room this is unknown, I don't have one it costs too much.
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