So, heat lamps tend to heat the air temperature, the substrate directly below, and lower the humidity.
Heat pads/Under Tank Heaters/heat tape tends to heat the substrate, but not necessarily the air.
I would recommend using a UTH. I peel the adhesive off, and then apply aluminum foil tape (not duct tape, but the actual metal foil tape) sticky side-to-sticky side. I then use smaller pieces of the same metal tape to affix the heat pad to the bottom of the outside of the tank. this way I can reuse the heat pad if the snake requires a new environment.
However, UTHs can be VERY unreliable in terms of temperature. I purchased a Hydrofarm thermostat from Amazon for about $35. The temperature probe is sandwiched between the UTH and the glass of the aquarium.
If you chose/prefer to use heat lamps, they should also be attached to some sort of controller. Lamp Dimmers work well, as they allow for the light to be toned up or down to provide the proper amount of heat.
Good Luck on your snake endeavors, and Welcome to the World of Reptiles
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