Greetings all, I'm back again with another novice question for you fine folk.

I've had my Ike (California king) for about a year and a half ago now, and he has finally outgrown his current tank. I bought him a nice new one recently, and I'm setting everything up for his "moving day". Lol.

Because this tank is a good bit bigger, I had to buy a new UTH heating pad for it (Zoo-med brand, of course). I plugged it in last night and let it run so it could warm up before I moved him, but when I came back to check it a few hours later, I noticed that the bedding above the pad is fine, but the glass where the pad is stuck is very hot. And like most snakes, Ike likes to bury himself, so common sense tells me that if I can't touch it for long, then chances are its too hot for him as well. I never had that problem with the smaller pad on the old tank, but I also had that one stuck to the side whereas the new one is on the bottom.

So I have two questions. Is a thermostat/rheostat a necessary investment to remedy this problem? I'm on a bit of a budget, so if there is another way, that might be better. My second question pertains to the actual move. Is it recommended to keep something from the old tank to put in the new tank? Would something familiar make it less stressful on him, or does it make no difference? Any other tips or need-to-knows about switching tanks are appreciated as well. Thanks guys!

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