heating pad directly under fermenter or not touching?

[2ellas]

I just brewed a slightly modified version of northern brewer's chinook ipa and pitched a packet of dry yeast at aboooot 70 degrees. I'm using my stc-1000 for the first time with a heating pad (if my wife's aunt flo visits, I'm in big trouble) and would like to know if I should stick it directly under the plastic "big mouth bubbler" or off to the side? There is more than an in of trub already settled at the bottom if that makes a difference. Thanks for the help!

 

[Komocabo]

Off to the side

 

[yohoe]

Off to the side.

P.S. My wife laughed at your comment concerning stealing the heat pad

 

[grathan]

Off to the side and on the lowest setting possible. Check to make sure it's rated for moisture and if not, make sure any overflow won't get at it.

 

[2ellas]

Thank you all!