Leo's do love UTH's, for my Leo I had an undertank heater and he was always on it, they do love belly heat, and need it to aid in proper digestion, they dont bask in the wild, but lay on warm rocks to warm up their belly.

I used over head lamps, but a red bulb, because they are nocturnal and dont like bright white lighting.

I've never had a problem using paper towel with a UTH. But I guess you aren't supposed too.