I don't think any of the UTH have a built in thermostat like you're describing.. You'll have to pick up a thermostat separately . I've read that the UTH can actually burn your snake if it's temp isn't controlled, so be careful there.. We use the Zoo Med Day/Blue Red/Night lights for our ambient temps.. You don't need light with BP's but we use it for our ambient temps.. The red night light is nice because it doesn't disturb the day/night cycle the snake needs