Neal,
I really think you are misinformed as to the function of a thermometer vs a thermostat. The unit you have pictured and are suggesting to be used as a thermostat is, in fact, a thermometer/hygrometer. Fluker's site even says so and sells it as such:
http://www.flukerfarms.com/temperaturegauges.aspx
This is a perfectly good thermometer/hygrometer that can give you readings on the temperature and humidity, however I (as well as most other members) prefer the Acurite model from Walmart. It gives a hot AND cool end as well as humidity, is about half the price, and can be conveniently bought in person rather than having to wait/pay for shipping.
To the OP, nothing in the pictures above is a thermostat. Running one rheostat (lamp dimmer) to control your temps is unreliable enough- 4 rheostats will be very difficult to maintain and monitor in most situations. Here are some examples of thermostats that members on the boards here use, in order of increasing price
a.) The aforementioned Hydrofarm: http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR.../dp/B000NZZG3S
b.) Ranco, another inexpensive unit slightly more reliable than the Hydrofarm: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/RAN...P77?Pid=search
c.) Vivarium Electronics: http://www.vivariumelectronics.com/Products.html
d.) Herpstat 1, the most reliable and highest quality of those listed here: http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat1Basic.html
If you do decide to use the Ceramic Heat Emitter route, you really should be using a thermostat to make sure that you do not burn your snake.
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