Hot spot of 82-84F is perfect for them and the rest of the tank can be room temp down to 70F or so.
Having said that, I keep my corns with an 82-84F hot side (keep in mind I keep them in 4X2' boaphiles so there is plenty of room and plenty of gradient), 78F ambient, and 76F cool side. If it gets much more than 80 ambient in there, they get uncomfortable and start looking for cooler ground.
The 82F is important because that's about the minimum they need to digest well. Over 85-86F and they will probably avoid the hot spot.
Having said all that, I know people who keep corns at 78-82F all the time - a much smaller range.
You could try 80 ambient and an 82-84F hot spot and see how he does. My guess is he won't like it too much.
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