Again thanks to everyone for the input. i have read all of them and put thopught into all of them. i have decided to keep the probe inside the tank umnderr the bedding right on top of where the UTH is located in order to KNOW what temp my BP is expiriencing should he decided to burrow down to the bottom. As for the air gap, yes I have my tank on a metal filing cabinet in my home office. It is not on the carpet. I am new to BPs and greatly appreciate all the input. All of your ideas have been considered.

On a side note, Clyde, my BP, is doing great, he is very active and I think he is settling in quiet well. he is not nearly as snappy or defensive as when i first got him and tends to move around i the tank much more often. He uses multiple hides but also has the favorite on the warm side of the tank. Once in a while I will find him basking near the ligth ontop of the wood i have placed in the tank, as well as on top of the rock. He just completed his first shed since ive had him and it came off 90% in one piece. He has a small piece on the end of his tail that i hope will come off today. Today is his feeding day and I will see how he does on that. He did reject the last two feedings, right before he started to turn grey and during his shed, but thats normal from what I have read.