My cool side reads 73*, room temp is also 73*. Hot side reads 91*. Humidity is @ 51-52%, large water bowl in center of tank. 20 gal. Long. 3 sides covered in 1/8" black sponge neoprene for insulation. Screen top is covered with 1/8" acrylic sheet, covered and sealed down with reflective HVAC tape. I left approx. a 3" x 9" uncovered portion of the screen top, over the hot-side, for air flow and/or additional heat if necessary. UTH is an 11" x 10.5" Ultratherm and a Hydrofarm t-stat. Will be upgrading t-stat to a VE or comparable stat, later. Acurite in/out therm. w/humidity readout.

My question is, how do I achieve around 75-80* ambient AND surface temp of cool side? I've been reading and reading that some people put an additional uth under cool-side w/additional t-stat set @ 80*. Some like the idea, some don't.
I've also read and read about people who keep a small space heater nearby to keep the area around the enclosure a bit warmer. Again, some like the idea, some don't.
So many opinions vary. My snake is paid for, but his new home is holding up his plane ride.
I should also mention, the 20 Long has 1/2" deep Repti-bark, end-to-end. Thinking about adding a small mixture of Cypress mulch for extra humidity boosting power. And all I have in the enclosure, right now, is the large water bowl and Acurite. Maybe I should add the hides, decor, etc.?
Acrylic top holds the humidity like a champ! The temps, although low, keep constant.
I apologize for the long, hectic post. Been up many hours wracking my brain. Any/all help would be very much appreciated. Am I over thinking some things? Haha, you shoulda seen me when I set up my first soft coral reef tank!