This is my first ball python and I've come here for some help. I've done a lot of research, but I can't seem to find anything on this topic (that's helpful, anyways.)

I purchased an UTH when I got my python. My main concern is heating the bottom of the tank without harming my python. I'm using a glass terrarium for now, and I've read you cannot place the hide directly over the heat pad.

I've also read that ball pythons require a hide on both sides of the terrarium. I have two (plastic, I believe) hides I purchased at ReptiCon recently.

As a trial run (without my python inside the tank), I attached the heat pad to the bottom of the tank and taped the probe down directly over it. The temp raised to 96 within 20 minutes, and was raising fairly quickly, so I went out and purchased a rheostat to help maintain temps.

My question here I guess is if I'm able to place a hide over the heat pad and probe without things getting too hot.

If it helps any, I'm using cypress mulch and sphagnum moss as substrate.

I also have a red bulb over the warm side of the tank.

I'm planning on switching to a rack system, but for the time being this is what I'm working with.