Quote Originally Posted by RedSidedSPR View Post
I think it's your choice as to which one you pick, but you don't need both. I just use a good heat lamp, but a heating pad works too. You just need a good overall temperature of 65-80 degrees (room temperature, really), and a basking area (one side of the tank) of 85-90 degrees. I think a heat lamp is more natural and is a good basking spot. The heat from the lamp, if it's a good lamp, will effect the tanks temperature too. A good heat lamp is all you really need.
Okay thanks. Yeah I already have a basking lamp that is not being used. Bought the heating pads which can server undertank in the winter (my house does not have central heating so I can't keep it at a steady 70 or so all night in the winter, guess I am also used to Ball Python husbandry which says no part of the enclosure should get below 80 whereas Garters are a lot more flexible and won't get sick or stressed as easily if exposed to a wider variety of temps).

Back to my original question...I hope those little digital thermometers with the probes are okay for basking heat cause I just ordered some! They are great for ground temps but was not sure if tasking heat with the lamps needed something different.