Weird behavior...I think.....

[xdeus]

Now, my question is this: what temp do I set the thermostat to? The ambient air temp? I just really dont want to burn my snake.

I believe most people attach the thermostat probe to the flexwatt or near the flexwatt with aluminum tape outside of the enclosure. Then just adjust the thermostat until the interior temps are where they need to be by measuring with a thermometer.

really fast and banging into the side of the tank. Could this be just because I went into the tank a little too fast?

Sounds like it to me. Mine will often flinch if I move too fast near them when they don't realize I'm around.