My spotted setup ... is it right?

Keep the wattage as low as possible so a failed thermostat wont cook the animal. To make it simple, in Sydney a 15 watt matt about half under the enclosure in summer. In winter you can put the whole matt under the enclosure. Watch the snake - If it is chasing heat the enclosure is too cold. If it is avoiding heat the enclosure is too hot. It is much easier to adjust the amount of matt under the enclosure than changing bulbs!

Thanks Wokka,

So your suggesting to completely ditch the idea of an incandescent bulb?

I know they're not an arboreal species, but I'm kinda keen to see him perching on a branch, and by having the heat source above the tank rather than below it, he's likely to want to venture closer. If I have a heat mat on the ground he'll probably never have any reason to venture up the branch, spending most of his time on the ground, more likely in a hide. Am I correct?

Thanks again