YAY congrats. I know you've been hoping for this for a long time. A dimmer will be okay temporarily as long as you watch the temps and check them multiple times a day. I found these AWESOME plastic bowls, 3 for $1 at the dollar store. I used scissors to cut a hole and used a lighter to smooth out the edges...VIOLA you have 3 hides for $1! Congrats, good luck, and post pics!!!!