I have 1 heat bulb & 1 ceramic & I have to adjust the lamps to get my temps right. I only have 2 beaded's but as my beaded's multiply or I purchase more I will use under the tank heating . Seems like heat lamps would be a pain if I had more beaded's . Also lights don't last long & aren't worth the money . If you like heating lamps the ceramic would be the way to go because they last a lot longer than bulbs . My beaded's don't bask but they know where the heat is .