Yeah it seems to be perfect for keeping reptiles we use them for checking conditions for painting water towers. Not sure of the price but I would recommend it to anyone. Not directly on the pad but I have pushed the substrate aside and checked the glass highest was 86. Im thinking its defective as well gonna go buy a new different brand tonight and see what happens. One more thing I know they dont do much for the ambient temps but say if you can mai tain a 90 hotside and 80 cool side surface temp do you worry with the ambient temps as much?