You may already understand this, but I'll explain for future readers just in case.
The thermostat kicks out as much energy as is needed for the thermostat's probe to read the temperature you set it at. So if you set it for 90F and put the probe in the freezer, it would run on full blast because it assumes the UTH/heat tape isn't warm enough. If you put the probe directly on the heat tape, the tape will only get as warm as you set it at.
If your thermostat probe is between the heat tape and the bottom of the tub, you'll need to use a thermometer to measure the hottest part of the tub the snake can access. So if there's substrate, measure the temp of the bare tub floor. Snakes can burrow if they want to get warmer. If, for example, your thermostat is set to 95F and your tub reads 85F, you may need to set your thermostat to 100F to hit 90F inside your tub. The thicker the tub, the higher you will have to set the thermostat to hit the right temps.
It may be helpful for you to use a thermometer with a probe (if you aren't already) to monitor the hotspot inside the tub so you don't get lower temp readings from having to pull the tubs out to check (if using a rack).
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