Quote Originally Posted by jeffnme
heat lamps dry the air in the tank which reduces the humidity. They really don't need one.
Yeah, i totally agree!!
Heat lamps should be use for desert and other low humidity animals ONLY!! IMHO

If you use a heat lamp AND try to maintain 50%+ humidity you'll have to have a fogger on 24hrs a day (you will fight a losing battle, fogger will die b4 ur heat lamp does)

A lot of vivs (from whats on offer at my local petshop) are not custom made for BP's they're made for ALL reptiles. It could have an Iguana or BP in there. A good petshop will tell you what accessories you need. (If they say you need a heat lamp for a BP... leave and try somewhere else)

If your using a fishtank setup, under tank heating is probably the best. Please read the instructions about how thick the substrate has to be. That is IMPORTANT and differs from heat mat to heat mat (heat tape).

Also use a thermostat!!
Remember... Heat can/will be reflected. UPWARDS!!
UTH [Under Tank/Tub Heating] is usually fine if there is room for the excess heat to escape underneath. If you have a tank/tub on a bench/worktop it can only absorb so much heat (not much) then the heat will rise and overheat/burn your snake.
Polystyrene, under the heatpad/tape will help short term.
Polystyrene and thermostat is better.

Hope this helps.
Garth