Do you not have a thermostat, dimmer, or rheostat to control your heating elements in your personal setups?
Yes there IS a difference in heat bulbs and heat mats. Ball Pythons do better on belly heat for digestion (which they don't necessarily get, but I could go into the biology of it if you're so inclined) rather than being baked by a lamp.
It doesn't depend on the situation, and I'm pretty sure you're snakes are probably dried out. Had a shed yet? You're inexperience is flaring it's ugly head, talking crap about a respected member and giving misinformation. When you get your first few full sheds and perhaps a good setup (why do people put snakes in fish tanks?), we'll let you speak for everyone.
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While I agree with everything you said, with the proper setup balls will do just as good with back heat as belly. Granted I don't use a lamp I use a rhp and both my bps shed, and poop/pee perfectly.