I have 2 heat sources because my house's ambient temperature is too cold for just belly heat. The RHP assists in warming the ambient air in the cage, and helps to get a hotter spot for her.

I use a Herpstat 4 as my thermostat because I have another cage underneath her.

She eats f/t small rats currently, and she's eaten f/t since I have had her, approximately 11 months.