Its all about lighting!

So I'm going to get a black light today for my ball, because I was using a white light for its heat source, but learned having a white light on 24/7 isn't healthy for the snake. ]= So my question is will a black light work all day and night, or will I need a second light to simulate daylight? Or will the daylight in my room suffice? Thanks guys!

Oh, and should I get a wattage lower than the bulb I have now? Because it keeps the cool side a little too hot. >_> Or will I need to get a light dimmer? If so, are they a pain in the arse to setup? I'm hoping I can find a good/inexpensive one at home depot.

a blacklite will be fine 24/7.ive looked at home depot and never seen dimmers that are not the ones you wire into a wall.you need a piggy back dimmer.look at lowes.the white light you were using is meant to give off a solid beam of light or basking spot.it will raise the ambiants as well but a blacklite wont focus all the heat to one beam and still raise you air temps.if you cant find a dimmer for the bulb try raising the bulb 6 inches or so above the screen lid.

Is piggyback dimmer the real name? I don't want to go ask someone and it not be the actual name. hehe Thanks. [=

here is a link to wat it looks like
http://www.dimmers.net/credenza_lamp_dimmer.asp

Thanks! *runs out the door*

i use a black heat light 24/7 on one of my tanks and ive hads no problems

i would rather put it on a thermostat, at least then you know for sure it's not getting to hot