I'm soon to step up a wooden viv; it was previously fitted with an red IR bulb, but I'd actually like to switch it out for a CHE. However, it's not the tallest viv in the world - only 1 1/2 foot tall. The bulb guard was 6 inches tall, but ceramic guards normally sit closer to 8/9 inches.

My snake is at 850g so he won't be likely to do mad climbing, but as it hangs so far he could still get close to the guard if he wanted to - that worries me.

Is there a minimum height that a CHE (or a bulb, for that matter) should be away from the floor of the viv?

I think I'd rather stay away from heat mats inside the viv given how heavy he is, but if that's what everyone would suggest, then I'll go for it!