few quick questions?

[Rob]

and also if the probe was placed under the tank on the back side of the pad the temps would be way off , because the back side of the pad is not nearly as hot as the sticky side at least on mine ,

I'm a bit confused why your asking for advice when you apparently have all the answers, and refuse to take the advice given to you.
It's clear your going to continue to stick the probe inside the tank, good luck with that. Just don't be surprised when your bp ends up with burns.