Night drop is completely unnecessary. The hot spot should be 88-92 degrees at all times. IMO heat lamps are also unnecessary. I suggest if you need more heat for ambient temps you use a ceramic heat emitter on a dimmer. The UTH with my thermostat has been more than efficient for my one tank except for some cold days in winter (I am located in MA). But depending on where you live you may need more heat (like, central air people in Florida or something, where it gets colder inside). The best thing to do to monitor temp and humidity is to KNOW what they are. Not guess. Spend a little extra to get the more accurate gadgets. I spent $40 and got myself a temp gun, which is still my favorite and most used tool to this day.