thanks to the folks here on this forum I've never paid so much attention to how a UTH works and it's pit falls. that said, even with all the useful work arounds presented on this site, I have to say that so far it seems like there is a desperate need in the industry for someone to produce a better overall solution to the issue of heat and temperature control for BP's and presumably all reptiles. the heating unit, the heat balast (the mass that is heated) and the proportional thermostat need to be all in one and moveable/removable and easily cleaned. Heat lamps are crazy wasteful and cause a major headache, they may work great for desert creatures but pose a real hassle when trying to nail particular humidity and temperature gradients. it's kind of amazing that there is not a simple solution that can be easily purchased in chain pet stores. it pains me to think what most reptiles that are sold to first time buyers are being subjected to.