First things first: establish a cool side and a basking side. The cool side should be ~79-82 degrees, while the basking side should be ~88-91 degrees. Snakes need to be able to thermoregulate their body temps and this gradient will provide them with that opportunity. *special note: put two identical hides on each side so the snake doesn't have to choose between safety and heat
What are you measuring the temp with? Buy a digital thermometer so you have an accurate reading on whatever you point it at. As long as you maintain that temp gradient mentioned above it doesn't matter as much how you get there.
Also, are you running the UTHs on a thermostat (recommended) or at least a rheostat?
I also have a 40 gallon tank and have the temps about right with one UTH on a thermostat and a 100W infrared heat emitter. Check out my post "First Time BP Owner" (Hope it doesn't take my credibility away since I'm a firstie)
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