u would feel better if they were a tad lower but it's a small spot it seems. this is all RHP placement. u could probably swing it if no hides were place on top of it as hides are where the snakes would spend most of their time. another thing u could look at is thermostat probe placement. i haven't read this entire thread and not sure whether u placed the thermostat probe underneath the RHP, along the wall or on the floor.