Hypothetical question on dimmers...

I personally use dimmers on my cages because I'm generally doing something every day (changing water, looking to spot clean, etc.) and it doesn't take much to check the temps and adjust appropriately. With only two ball pythons it isn't a hassle, but if I'm not home for a few days or something I usually have to teach whoever's babysitting to do that at least once a day before I go.

As soon as I decide I want to expand to a rack I'll be getting a proportional thermostat, but for now it's not a necessary thing

A dimmer or rheostat is fine as long as you do check your temps frequently. With the changing seasons it is just something to be aware of.

I have a dimmer for my lights right now, but I was looking to use only heating pads. I do check the temps regularly because I do use the dimmer with my light. Thank you :)

now even with my rack i have to use a light sometimes to keep ambient temps up because the heat in the room drops. once we buy our house ill have my own room for reptiles. if you do switch to flexwatt or UTH's you will prolly still have to use lights for ambient temps unless you keep the room around 80-83