Quote Originally Posted by bcr229 View Post
Yes, you need a thermostat to regulate the heat from your UTH. An IR thermometer like http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiT...9214658&sr=1-4 or a "temp gun" will tell you the surface temperature of objects - like the bottom of the tub where your snake is lying.
Alright, thanks! Now it all makes sense, why I was told to get a temp gun and a thermostat Really glad I asked, although I guess I would have ended up buying the right things (by some stroke of luck!!).

Another question - are 2 hides necessary for a carpet python? I just went out and bought two, but when I put everything in the tub there is no way I could fit 2 hides and a water bowl in there. Of course I'll be upgrading to a larger tub/terrarium once the snake is larger but for now, would one hide do? If so, does it go on the warm side or the cool side?