before you buy the other thermometer..im assuming your using analog thermometers. i use to use these. its better to go buy a digital thermometer/hygrometer. its around $20. just make sure that A. it has a probe so it can give you two different readouts. (one for cool side, one for warmside) put the probe in the warm hide. you should get another hide, and put it on the cool side, so he/she doesnt have to choose between feeling safe and thermoregulating. i wouldnt place the rubbermaid outside. to many reasons not to. it would be easier and safer to put it inside as your pretty much offering a free snake that way. i have heard of peoples snakes being stolen, so just leave it inside. other then that you setup is fine. hows your humidity? to keep it right you can cover most of your top with damp paper towels or damp towels. just make sure you leave some space at the end of the tank for air exchange.