would a thermostat

[RichsBallPythons]

No a household thermostat will not work or at least will not work easily. Hydrofarm, ranco, johnson all will work they are ok if you are using something heavy (glass tank) or in direct heating (rack system) direct heat (stick on pad stuck on) on a light weight (plastic tub) material a proportional is best, and safest. A herpstat helix ve300, ecozone, or advanced viv systems.

Proportional is not any safer than on/off thermostats. They do the same thing with different operation. Ive seen more proportionals failing or giving false readings than i have with johnsons/rancos.