you do not need both the light and a heating pad. honestly you should ditch the white light and get an infrared bulb (and leave it on 24/7) or if your room temperatures don't drop too much below 75 degrees, just use the heating pad (regulated by a thermostat) 24/7) switching between the 2 is just asking for issues.

Here is a good infrared bulb

http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=11147193