Above-tank heat emitter/light?

So--do I need either one or what? Right now I'm using a uth pad in a plastic enclosure with just a little screen on top, which I keep covered for humidity since it gets dry here in the winter. Since there's not much mesh on my enclosure, the heat stays up in the 80s/90 on the hot side, but I've read/heard some things about having heat emitters anyway so that the top of the cage stays warm too---didn't make much sense to me because, well, heat rises right? Is there any benefit to an above tank heat lamp in addition to my pad?
Also--lights--I feel like I"ve read a million caresheets and about 1/2 of them say I need a red lamp, the other half say it's really just for viewing and BPs are actually happier without it. The room I keep my snake in has a decent amount of natural light during the day. Unfortunately I can't post pictures right now because I lent my camera to someone, but there's a skylight not far from the enclosure and I live in a loft with low peaked ceilings, so the tank gets a bunch of light from it when the sun's up. Do you think that's enough or am I confusing the little guys circadian rhythms?

Any thoughts?

Is your UTH controlled with a thermostat?

If your temps are fine without a CHE/lamp, you don't need one. They're more of a pain and will make your humidity harder to maintain.

I don't have a separate thermostat, but the heat pad I got has a dial on it to control the temp. There aren't any numbers on it but I've just been kind of fiddling around and figuring out where to put it to keep my thermometers in about the right places. Is a separate thermostat a better way to go?

Thanks for the advice! I certainly am excited to not have to buy any more equipment!

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Originally Posted by Antimatter

I don't have a separate thermostat, but the heat pad I got has a dial on it to control the temp. There aren't any numbers on it but I've just been kind of fiddling around and figuring out where to put it to keep my thermometers in about the right places. Is a separate thermostat a better way to go?

Thanks for the advice! I certainly am excited to not have to buy any more equipment!

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I dimmer switch will work, but a t-stat is safer and more efficient. Dimmers have to be constantly adjusted due to the change in ambient temps. Whereas t-stats automatically adjust to their setting.

Right on. Is there a particular type of thermostat you'd recommend? Maybe not too pricy but does the job?

I have 4 ut heaters and aluminum foil on the screen lid.

My adult female is just fine.

She weighs over 6 pounds at this time.

I have 1 uth under my water dish plugged in 24/7 and the remaining 3 uth are on a thermostat.

my thermostat is a "zoo med reptitemp 500R" it is a lower end unit but it does work just fine however.

even with a thermostat I have to "turn it up" in winter and "turn it down" during summer.

my BP's tank is upstairs that gets cold in the winter (some times 41 degrees) , don't worry it is nice and warm inside her tank....

some times I wish I had a higher end unit, the perportional kind, but they cost over $110.......

Harry

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Originally Posted by Old Sloppy

my thermostat is a "zoo med reptitemp 500R" it is a lower end unit but it does work just fine however.

even with a thermostat I have to "turn it up" in winter and "turn it down" during summer.

my BP's tank is upstairs that gets cold in the winter (some times 41 degrees) , don't worry it is nice and warm inside her tank....

some times I wish I had a higher end unit, the perportional kind, but they cost over $110.......

Harry

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Just won an ebay auction for a new one of these, should be coming in the mail in the next few days! Thanks for the tip! I'll think about getting a better one next time I have some extraneous cash.

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Originally Posted by Antimatter

Right on. Is there a particular type of thermostat you'd recommend? Maybe not too pricy but does the job?

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don't go cheap on a thermostat. not only can it burn your snake but can also start a fire and burn your house down. I recommend the herpstat by spider robotics. they have different levels with different prices. spend the money, sleep better at night.

the zoo med 500 r is junk. I had one before and threw it away. I wouldn't even sell it to someone I dislike.