I would agree.
The zilla thermostats are known for being inaccurate, as are their (and other petshop brand) analogue thermometers/hygrometers (the dial-type ones).
Heat pads are not designed to radiate heat very far. Your thermostat probe looks to be quite far from the pads. This is a problem because the contact points on the tank where the pads are touching will get hot enough to burn a snake (because you're getting a super-heated points on the glass that's trying to heat up an object that's farther from where the bulk of its heat is traveling).
Also, your thermostat appears to be high in the tank. Unless you have multiple thermostats, then you are not actually controlling the temperature your snake is living at (closer to the bottom of the tank). The same can be said about your thermometer, which is not monitoring the area of the tank you need to be most concerned with.
Most people only use one heat pad on the bottom of the tank and they control it with a single thermostat placed directly in contact with the pad underneath the tank. Not only is able to accurately regulate the temperature, but it prevents the snake from dislodging the probe (because they can and will unless you glue gun the daylights out of it).
I also agree that the sand is problematic and should be reconsidered.
If your ambient room temperature is too low, a heat lamp may be suitable (or I've heard great things from keepers about Radiating Heat Panels (RHPs)). Heat lamps are not good for humidity, but humidity can be raised with a bit of work and consistency. This is why many keepers prefer using plastic tubs. It sacrifices visibility for heat and humidity retention. However, this doesn't meet everyone's needs and there's no reason you can't make an aquarium work for you.
Reply With Quote