sounds like the basics are covered. is the top a screen top? this could let out alot of heat. going to a 6" high tub will heat better vs a 12" high one. the one ft. piece of flex should heat that tub. i would try a little space heater in your room and bump up the ambient room temps some. my guess is that the low room temps are robbing your setup of it's heat. the cost of another esu stat and heat pad might be the same as a johnsons or ranco? i would try the new tub first, because if it's 6" high that might help alot.

ps. on the aspen, don't make it too deep 1/2 to 1 inch is fine.


vaughn