Heat for bioactive tank & misc.

[PanUzasny]

I have my kingsnake in a bioactive tank with a drainage layer with a similar set up to yours (light to provide heat during the day with normal low temperatures at night) but I haven't had to worry about the winter yet.

1/ Just wanted to mention that prior to going bioactive I was using a heating pad. However, I switched to the light because I'd heard that water coming into contact with the hot glass surface could potentially crack the glass of my tank. Now, I don't have that much water in my setup and it probably wouldn't be an issue, but I didn't want to risk it. I have heard that the heating pad on the side could be a good option for raising the ambient temperature inside.

2/ Any reason not to just replace the basking light with a ceramic heat emitter? Should solve the space problem.