I'm curious. I have both in my set ups. Is a UTH really necessary. I leave the UTH for a hot spot and for belly heat to help with digestion. But if my lamp is heating up one side of the tank good enough,do I really need a UTH.. I've had no problems having the two as I have my UTH on a thermostat and regulated by a thermometer as well. My snakes seem very happy. Always hiding,do night time exploring,eat and shed great. They say if it ain't broke don't fix it. But if it am get away with not having a UTH,mainly if it's not needed,then I may do so,maybe.