I brought the thermostat, now what?

[mykee]

I know, off topic of the OP, but in good conscience I can't let this one slide:

"I seem to be the odd ball out in my methods. I put the probe in the enclosure on top of the substrate to get the most accurate temps. I do this because I use belly heat but I also use cypress mulch as substrate. I use both heat pads and flexwatt for a heat source."

The reason you feel like to odd ball out is because with your probe placement, should your ball python (like ALL ball pythons do) burrow under the substrate to the bottom, the temps will be so hot that you WILL have to deal with a nasty case of belly burn.
Just saying.

[millertime89]

Originally Posted by mykee

The reason you feel like to odd ball out is because with your probe placement, should your ball python (like ALL ball pythons do) burrow under the substrate to the bottom, the temps will be so hot that you WILL have to deal with a nasty case of belly burn.
Just saying.

I'm aware, shortly after taking that picture spacers were placed between the tubs and the heat sources. I'm struggling with the balance between the convenience of a tub/rack system, and my desire to keep smells at bay and provide the maximum comfort to my animals by providing them substrate to bury in. Any tips? I've measured the uth/flexwatt temp when inside tub temp is set to 85F, and the heaters are usually right around the 100F mark. Although lately my room ambient is just below 80 so the heat elements haven't had to work nearly as hard as they used to. I think I've asked about this before and nobody has a good solution.