I'm still relatively new myself, but it is my understanding that a snake will chose to feel safe over getting warm. I actually proved that to myself with my snake. She had a hide on the cool end but nothing on the warm end and wouldn't budge. As soon as I gave her 2 hides she was on the warm end and now she pretty much stays there.

I'm not quite sure why you'd need 2 lamps. I use a red light bulb 24/7 and that's it.

Sorry I can't answer about the rest. I don't want to give info that may be inaccurate, as I'm still learning these things myself.