I had no idea until this forum that a UTH must be used with a temperature controller. Had even watched a long YouTube video showing how to set up the exact same 10 gallon tank I have, in which the UTH was stuck to the bottom and only newspaper was lain on top. A timer was mentioned as an automatic on/off switch, but I don't recall anything about the danger of burns and necessity of controlling the temperature.

Thank you for this thread!

I stopped off at both Petco and PetSmart to see if they have this Repti Temp 500R. Neither had it, but I did see a $50 Zilla temperature controller that takes up to 1000W which 3 things could plug into. We have a UTH and basking lamp, so would use 2 of those outlets, but now I'm reading in this forum that a basking lamp isn't needed because BPs hide anyway. Makes sense to me!

So, is the Repti Temp enough? Or should I get that Zilla one that takes up to 3 heat/light sources? I want to do right by our new BP. Its prior owner didn't even have a UTH, using only an overhead basking lamp. (The poor guy was cold the first time I touched it, but has been warm and happy since we brought it home.)