New 20 gallon tank setup for my growing ball

[Argentra]

The UTH is on a repti-temp 500R. I've seen lots of doggie dishes like that in tanks... I guess I can get something different if it is really a problem. I know there are repti rocks at petsmart that fit the bill but they are $20.

The hook with a chain thing is a pretty good idea actually but then the foil is blocking the heat from going in right?

Ok, the ZooMed stat is a good one to have until you can afford better. I have 4 of them and they're still going strong after a year.

As for the dish, cat dishes are better than dog since they're shallower. Also, the plastic drip trays for plant pots work well if you put a nice big smooth stone or other heavy decor inside it to weigh it down.

When hanging the lamp, make sure it hangs right over the opening so the heat can get in. The foil then keeps the heat in the tank from rising out again. Even if ALL the heat from the bulb isn't going directly into the tank, it still heats the area around it, raising the ambient temps. Just don't forget about insulating the back and sides, as that really helps.