Regarding the thermostat, based on many recommendations (in terms of cheap stuff) i just picked up one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1 its about 30 bucks, my other one os a zoomed reptitemp 500, and the main problem is that it is not digital, it just has a little round dial that goes from red to less red and you have to dial it in yourself with a temp gun or something - the worst! Now if you want something worth having, save up $100 to $200, depending on your needs, and invest in a Herpstat from Spyder Robotics. I dont have one now, but once i upgrade my enclosures i'll be making the switch.