A thermostat is not optional... ball pythons will dig down into their substrate from time to time. a UTH can and will get to 130+ degrees (it only takes 108 degrees to fry a BP's brain) If you are using that much substrate then your UTH isn't doing anything at all They are only effective when the substrate layer is 1/2" thick or less.
You really only have 2 options:
1. unplug the UTH and let the heat lamp do all the work
2. Get a good thermostat to regulate the UTH and thin out the substrate layer to 1/2" thick or less
Here are some good thermostats, stay away from the junk sold in pet stores. They are unreliable and overpriced.
Budget: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S
High Quality: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html
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