In other words, if my hot spot is in the 88-92 range but my cool spot is, say in the 68-72 range, is that acceptable? Or, do I really need to heat both sides of the tank (as I'm doing now) to try to keep once side at 88-92 and the other at 80-84?


No. 68-72 is much too cold. 77-78 is about a cool as you could go. Sounds like you would want both uth and rhp and then you might only need to use the rhp in the winter. If you haven't already check out the thread that is stickied about hot to set up a t-8. It is very well written with pictures of the set up how and where to install the probe thermometers etc. Then you could try pming the author of that thread with specifics. The dimensions for the unit are approximately 4ft by two ft, so each side would be 2 X 2. Look at the dimentions of the hides, but I'm guessing they fit since it seems to be the hide of choice with people on here.

Also one other possibility for your current set up that I've heard mention here is to get a piece of plexiglass cut to fit the top of the screen, cut out a hole for your dome light and drill a few holes for air flow. Will do a very good job holding heat and moisture and I think give it a cleaner look. Also depending on what you are currently using you might switch to cypress mulch for your substrate.