The problem with glass tanks is it suck both heat and moisture right out of the enclosure. The tin foil tends help keep moisture in not heat unfortunately. I have never had any luck with tanks. Plastic storage totes is honestly (IMO) the best way to house snakes that need higher temps and humidity. The problem with heat pads is they do not raise ambient temperatures well. They do well for belly heat though so I always recommend them. You may need to get a heat lamp to up the ambient temperatures. The problem with this is lamps tend to suck humidity right out of the cages so you will have to spray more often. As for the thermostat, I agree that it is broken. I like to use herpstats but the cheapest available is around $100 and it really is not worth it if you only have one snake. I began using lamp dimmer switches from Home Depot. $10 for it, much better for a single snake then a $100 herpstat. They work very well. Mine are still being used for my corn snake and boa. I know a plastic tote is not pretty, but it is better for keeping in heat and humidity. Less need to spray and you will not have to get a heat lamp. But this is my opinion and my experience. Some of my friends have no issues using tanks with the added heat lamp and spraying, so it is up to how you want to care for your ball python.