I would say if you are sure you are only going to get 1 snake or 2 then go to cages not tubs because people use tubs to hold more snakes and stuff like that. If you still want to go with the tub i would not put it on the carpet. I have a quarantine tank that is on a table then a towel, then a bord of plywood and then at the end to 1/2 inch wide small strips of plywood on each end of the tank so that the tank is of the ground. Just do the same thing with the tub. Also keep in mind that the tub will have to be replaced as your snake grows.

Im still a newbie myself but I dont think you need a term. and a rheos. together, just a therm.

Most thermostats are in the 100+ range. I just barely unwrapped one of my presents today and one was a Helix DBS-1000 Thermostat that cost 135.00. Other good ones are Ranco and Herpstat.