Highest surface temps

[Bogertophis]

I would think that would turn the water into a hot tub. I personally would not try to fix it that way.

KMG might be right about this making the water too warm. If I read that right, apparently you're having trouble keeping enough warmth in the tank that's in a chilly basement, so in order to lower the heat a little, you might instead try insulating the enclosure on the sides & back, & on the bottom to the extent possible, if you haven't already done so.