Another suggestion for the OP: I would take the thermoSTAT probe and stick it to the outside of the UTH. This is a personal preference for me, some people do it differently but I will explain why. In the event that the snake moves the thermostat probe off the UTH, or pees on it, or poops on it, it will give the thermostat a false reading. The thermostat will think the heater is colder than it is and start blasting the UTH, which could burn the snake.