I need some help here 
so ok i have 2 snakes. in almost the same set ups. 2 sterilte ultra wheeled underbed boxes, 39 1/2"L x 20 1/4"W x 7"H. (the tubs are just until I can buy a couple cages from AP or show case cages.
The tubs both have newspaper lining, 2 clay pots in each, a water bowl and a digital temp/humid gage.
I had one 11x11 ultratherm heat mat and an alife. And the other i have a human heating pad on low. (the 11x11 and heat pad are just temp)
I thought i was going to have troubles adjusting the tub w/ the heating pad, but nope. My problem is the ultratherm and alife. I set the alife to 91 degrees, and put the probe under the pot on the warm side. But its only making it about 85. And if i use the ultratherm w/o the alife its way too hot.
I thought w/ the alife it would be a set it and forget it thing. I upped the temp on the dial a little bit to see if that will raise the temp a couple degrees. (im keeping a close eye on it)
So anyway, how can I get it right?
I hope i didnt waste money, as I just bought 2 11x17 ultratherms. I bought a bigger size because thats the size for the show case cages. The mats will be here tomorrow. I had planned to plug the 2 in the one alife and use them with the tubs for noe. But the alife doesnt seem to be working.
Any suggestions?
thanks
PS
I dont have them in a rack, they are both sitting on tables. so there is no shelf above to stop the lids from being pushed open. What do you all suggest to help keep the lids closed. They seem flimsy in the middle, like a snake could squeeze thru. The lids are the kind with the center hinges. I have weights ontop of a board placed lengthwise over the lids but was wondering if there was something better i havent thought of.
