i have two lamps that have a dimmer built in so i just use a red light and clamp the lamps onto the shelf above the snakes tubs and it heats the entire tub to 80-82. im moving soon so once i build a rack i wont have to do that anymore. but for now try that, it works great. and tanks are terrible in winter if u arent careful. my snake got a really nasty RI last year cuz out of no where the temps dropped and when i checked her around 2am the temps were around 60