Having trouble regulating temperature.

Right now I think I'm going to keep the Nocturnal Infrared Heat Lamp because that comment earlier on the CHE scared me, haha,

I covered the sides and the back and put foil over about 75% of the top. Today the temperature got up to 96 degrees from the sensor, which as you can see from the pics is halfway up the tank right under the lamp. I ordered the more accurate monitors suggested here for both sides, should get here tomorrow.

I took the foil off and misted and temp immediately went down to low 80s.

I wonder if the tank is now insulated TOO much? I'm thinking I'll try to reduce the percentage of the top covered by foil (i.e., peel it back) and see how the temperature does. Just now, reducing it to about 60% covered, the temperature from the probe is hovering around 93.

I know there's always a gradient as the glass is warmer to the touch on the hot side than the cool side.

Viper has been hanging out in the hide on the cool side since Sunday. Ordered a more traditional hide to put on the warm side, should also get here tomorrow.