Even if you don't get a thermosts immediately, I highly reccommend getting at LEAST a dimmer from Home depot or something. It's 10 bucks there, just plug it in. Also at tempguns.com they are having a sale, their best temp gun is $35.00 and it is shipped very quickly. Home depot also carries temp guns also. At the very least, with the heat mat get a dimmer and temp gun, just make sure you monitor it a few times a day.