Having trouble keeping the cool side cool

[tttaylorrr]

Also then there won't be a true gradient and both hides will be the same temperature. My UTH doesn't have a temp control setting so I have to be able to monitor the heat via a thermometer placed on it, so I don't have it under the warm hide.

your UTH isn't regulated?? ALL heat sources MUST be regulated, either by thermostat or dimmer/rheostat. your taking a risk on the safety of your animal by running a UTH unregulated.

here's a relatively cheap and relatively reliable thermostat you can use until you can save up for a Herpstat. i'd unplug the UTH until you get it regulated.