the styrofoam serves to lift the UTH off of a flat surface to allow the heat to escape and not build up. this prevents any possibility of overheating. the styrofoam can also eliminate the problem of the thermostat probe not allowing the UTH to sit completely flush against the bottom: simply make a groove into the styrofoam for the probe and put the UTH over it, then enclosure over UTH.
what you've found is fine. remember that when you measure temps, measure the BOTTOM of the tub. also remember that a UTH does not raise ambient (air) temps and only serves to provide belly heat.
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