CHE's definatly get to hot, an infrared bulb is your best bet. I like this one: http://m.petsmart.com/mt/www.petsmar...3&lmdn=Reptile

I know that some people use carefresh, especially with an UTH I would recommend using newspaper/paper towels/corrugated wrap since they let the heat penetrate better (remember that UTH's do not affect air temperature in the tank)