Okay thanks guys. I just unplugged the heating pad, the bottom of the tank over the heating pad did feel pretty warm and I don't want to risk a burn. My snake is supposed to be arriving any time now. I don't want to run to Lowe's because my delivery got delayed due to inclement weather half way through so I have no set time frame now. I'll either send my boyfriend out for the dimmer or run and get it as soon as I put Orochimaru in his tank.