Drying the air is not specific to CHE's...any light that emits heat is going to reduce the humidity.

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Just to clarify...
Are you wanting a light for heat or just to be able to see your snake?

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We use a 50 watt red light on a dimmer set at about 25% for our corns because it is so stinking cold right now (getting warmer) that just the UTH is not enough abd the ambient cage temp would only be 68*F without it.

I am going to get the CHE's though when these burn out.
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I personally think as a human I have no idea if the snake is 'happy' or 'stressed'...that may not become evident until it dies years too early or gets a URI although 'everything was perfect' from my own assessment.
Reptiles hide illness and stress as a matter of self preservation.
We often have trouble getting them 'back to health' because by the time symptoms are apparent the animal is quite ill.

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To the idea that these bulbs are inherantly safe because they are sold and used is not always the case...take for example heat rocks...they are sold, bought and used...not really a good idea though.

The previous statements are my own personal opinion...best wishes with what you decide...let us see pics when it's all set up