I'm positive that the accurite didn't get wet in any way because it's about an inch or so above the substrate.
You would think that I shouldn't have to worry about the UTH getting too hot being on the dimmer but I'm constantly checking temps and from time to time I have to make adjustments. I just don't want to take any chances because the dimmers are not as reliable as I would like them to be. I wish I could afford a more reliable method but for the time being, this is all that I have.
I'll give the aspen some time and if that doesn't work then we will consider the newspaper. Right now my temps are 82.6 and 90.7.