I tend to use EITHER a lamp, OR a UTH. I'm moving towards all UTHs because of the humidity issues, (and because I'm tired of buying new bulbs.)
For checking the UTH temps, I strongly recommend investing in an IR point-and-click handheld thermometer. stuff it down under the substrate and get the temperature right up against the glass--since odds are your bp with burrow down there to get as close to the heat as possible anyway.
The Home Depot table-top dimming switches are really great, and cheap. Looking in the lighting section, not the electrical section for them. You'll have to experiment to get the right setting.
And it's actually okay if your night time and daytime warm-side temps fluctuate a little. They would in nature, too--just make sure they're always within the safe range. (ie. never below 80F and never above 100F. 90-95 is preferred, of course.)