Temps.

Okay so I know a thermometer is about $12 at wal-mart, which I am going to get.
But can someone explain with me how to use it? I need a probe to use it so do I just put it on the tank then what?
Also a thermostat is to much money for me right now so what can I use to control my UTH temps so it doesn't get to hot? Thanks.

I just posted a thread and I asked the same questions. I'm going to wal-mart tomorrow to pick up two digital read [with probes] thermometers and two rheostats to control my lamps temp and my UTHs temp. Hope this helps.

I read your thread, I cant find any thermometers on the wal-mart website. They are all for food :(

You will need to walk into wal mart to find the thermometers. They are in the hardware section on the isle that has electrical devices....

They look like this - they are used for watching weather conditions.

http://www.chaneyinstrument.com/pgs/inwea.htm

You can get an alife themostat for around 30 bucks. You really need something to control temps. I would only use a dimmer type themostat IF the temps in the room never fluctuate and are constant.

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...at-with-probe/

The $30 t-stats work to an extent, but they are not very reliable or accurate. A friend of mine uses a Reptitemp 500R (also around $30), and he has had some problems with temperature fluctuation. I would recommend using a $30 t-stat or a rheostat (dimmer) only temporarily until you can afford to upgrade. Johnson Controls and Ranco thermostats are each $80 on Reptile Basics. I personally use the Ranco and have never had any problems with it.

My husband makes our rheostats... a blue outlet box, a dimmer switch, an extension cord, and a few wire nuts. It can control a few heaters (in identical enclosures) for an investment of about $12.

Or you can just buy one already wired from Home Depot or Lowe's for $11.. Much less expensive and no risk of shocking yourself if you wire it wrong. They are made by Lutron and the type is Credenza.