Another thing to check would be the wattage rating on the light fixtures. Are you using a bulb that's a higher wattage than your light fixture is rated for?

As for the UTH, as Aaron said, they can get VERY hot if not being regulated by a thermostat or at least a dimmer. We're talking up to 140*F hot... You need to have something regulating the heat from those UTHs or they can literally slow-cook your snake.