Supposedly, infrared light is supposed to be nearly invisible to reptiles. Since I'm not a python, I couldn't be sure, but I tend to trust that infrared light is not a detriment to a snake's well-being. You can keep using it if it keeps the cage temps where they should be. You can also just use the heat pad at night if you want.

Your goal should be to provide proper temps. With bigger snakes like most pythons and boas, overhead heat can work well because it can heat a wide area (big snakes need a wide area of heat) and still allow for a temperature gradient.

Ceramic elements work amazingly well, but the bulb surface gets so hot that you need to make sure the snake (or you) can't get burned on it accidently. I like ceramics because snakes seem to come alive when you use them, and they don't give off light.

The radiant heat panel is another option, especially for bigger snakes. With RHPs the surface doesn't get so hot. Look at www.beanfarm.com and www.pro-products.com for more info.

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