I'm not a big fan of heat cable, I much prefer heating pads (UTH's)
either should have a thermostat to regulate their temperature.
Here are 2 good ones. Don't waste your money on the ones sold in pet stores, they are overpriced, and short lived.
The hydrofarm thermostat, these are sold on Amazon for $30 and are considered the cheapest thermostat that actually works
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S
The Herpstat is the best of the best, these cost more but are safer, more accurate, and have more features/capabilities. (these are what I use)
http://spyderrobotics.com/
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