Problem with Herpstat?

[Exotic Ectotherms]

Here's my setup. New style RBI sweaterbox rack...4 drawer. Belly heat via 4" heat tape. Old style Herpstat 1. Herpstat is only about a year old or so. Snake room is heated with a space heater and maintains ambient temps between 74-76 degrees. Substrate: textured kraft paper tub liners.

The problem: I have the Herpstat set on 100.0 F. The display on the Herpstat never gets past 98.0 and is usually hovering around the 96.5-97.5 mark. The red light next to the temp display is ALWAYS on suggesting that the Herpstat is sending fulll power to the heat tape. Temp gun readings of the heat tape DIRECTLY next to the probe is usually around 90-92. Temp gun readings of the inside of the tubs is 88-89 on the hot side and 80 on the cool side. I realize my temps aren't far off from what they should be, but the fact that the Herpstat doesn't seem to be working properly is what concerns me. I also have the erpstat set on the HI-2 setting, meaning it is set at higher power than the factory "STD" setting.

What the hell am I doing wrong?!?!?!

[Exotic Ectotherms]

Should I try putting the Herpstat in non-proportional mode?

[The Serpent Merchant]

Where is your probe? I don't think that this is a Herpstat issue, more likely a heat tape issue.

[Exotic Ectotherms]

Probe is taped directly on the heat tape on the 3rd shelf. It used to be taped with foil tape, but once I read that it may affect readings, I removed all of it and used electrical tape.

[The Serpent Merchant]

ok, I would try plugging the flexwatt directly into the wall, and see how hot it gets (monitor it very carefully, removing the snakes during this test is advised)

[Chuckels]

I have never had any issues with my probe using foil tape. I'd check your flexwatt for sure.

Trey

[Exotic Ectotherms]

I never thought to plug it directly in. Good advice. I'll have to do that tomorrow when everyone isn't in feeding mode.