Breeder said no heat lamps

[farside847]

I am getting my new enclosure set up for my first corn snake.

I found a local breeder, and while chatting with them I mentioned how I am trying to get the heat just right first. Right now I have a heat mat and thermostat that is making a great hot spot on one side at about 88degrees.

My ambient air temp is 67 to 70. Maybe I have been doing too many google searches, but this seemed too low, but my breeder says that it is fine and that they dont recommend adding a ceramic heat lamp.

I guess I am just looking for a second opinion. The breeder seems pretty awesome and I am sure knows a heck of a lot more than I do. But would a corn snake be ok with a nice warm spot at 88 and the air temp at 70? Or should I go and add a ceramic heat lamp to bump it up to 80?

Thanks!