at first i used an IR lamp, then i went away from it because it sucks the humidity out, but then it was too humid so i am back to using it again. I just placed a 4 $ dimmer on it so i could keep it turned down.i find it easier to keep the ambient temp up as well. now what i did was placed a 3/4 " platform under my light so the light was about an inch from the screen. that way the snake, if it decides to try and climb towards it, it wont be in any danger of too much heat. i also dont have to worry about the light falling because it is laying ontop of the cage. the dimmer makes it so u can place your light directly on the cage and turn it down instead of placing the light a safe distance back because at full power its just way too hot.