Oh thank you so much!!! So when we see hot spot of 94F does that mean the temperature of the direct inside bottom of the tub not above the substrate right? I currently feel if I want the temp of the hot spot substrate to be 90F, the bottom of the tub must be arounc 110F... but sometimes my ball python will dig the substrate away and lay on the bottom of the tub directly that will be too hot for him, but if I only make the direct bottom of the tub to be 90F the substrate he normally lay on will be not higher than 80F.... May I know which way should I do? Thank you so much! I'm so confused recently...
Quote Originally Posted by tttaylorrr View Post
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.