Checking gear off my list for my first tub setup, need some advice!

I am trying to do all my homework and make sure I have the right tools the first time for my first BP. I have decided that a tub setup will be best for me and my soon to be snake, with this in mind I have begun the hunt for my gear, after reading alot of threads am left with a few questions.

1: Thermostat - I need the thermostat to control my UTH, there is such a wide variety available, since this is for a single tank set up I have been looking at the Herpstat 1 and the Vivarium VE 100. Between those two can anyone give me some pros and cons?

2: UTH, I have been trying to compare the Ultraherm heat pads and the heat tape available from Reptile Basics. Again, what are some of the pros and cons of each, the tub I will be starting with is 15 qt.

3. Thermometer and hygrometer: I looked at all the sticky's regarding tank and tub set up and saw the use of the acurite thermometer/hygrometer combination. My understanding is that this thermometer is to monitor my ambient temps, and then humidity. With this in mind, I am thinking I would also need an infared handheld thermometer for testing/maintaining the surface temp of the hot side of the tub. Is this overkill? What is the best option for keeping track of my ambient temps and humidity?

Thanks for all the help everyone! Anxiously awaiting becoming a more active part of this community.

I'm still a newbie at this, but I'll give you my input...

1. Thermostat - Herpstat. I read through about a thousand different forums, reviews, and posts. Herpstat was the most talked about, most highly reviewed. I got a Herpstat 2 so I can grow with it, and I love it.

2. UTH - Personally, I like the heat tape as it's customizable for what you want to heat. It comes in different widths/lengths. It's easy to wire yourself and cheap to have Reptile Basics do it for you.

3. Thermometer/Hygrometer - a lot of people (including myself) use the accurites from Walmart/lowes/home depot, etc. I have one with a probe on it that displays humidity and temperature where the unit is sitting and then a separate temperature zone with the probe. I have two others that don't have a probe and just measure one location for temperature and humidity. They are all simple to use. While you're getting things started and setup, I don't think you can have too many thermometers and hygrometers lol. It's taken me a while to learn what changes temperatures and humidity in my rack and tubs. Having several devices to look at has helped.

4. Infrared thermometer/gun - very useful. These are usually very accurate and easy to use to double check temps. Is it a must? No. Is it really nice to have? Yea.

1) Herpstat 1. It does both pulse propotional and dimming as well as having basking light assist on the newer models which I will say is freakin awesome for using on CHEs. VEs are good too but for the price being so close, the Herpstat 1 does more. Plus they are firmware upgradeable!!

2)I don't use UTHs personally but I have heard good things about the Ultratherms as in they don't get up to the 120F+ that some of the other can get to if unregulated. I believe RBI just uses normal Flexwatt which you can get anywhere from Bean Farm, RBI, Amazon etc.

3) Avoid stick on and dial style thermostats as they are usually off. I personally use http://www.acurite.com/environments/...red-probe.html. You can find them at Target and Walmart for pretty cheap. They both cool side, warm side and humidity. Only downside I've found is mine seem to be off by 1F according to my temp gun and Herpstats. Also invest in a temp gun. Just go to Home Depot or any hardware store and you should be able to get one for $50 or less.