Quote Originally Posted by Wuattaguan View Post
I like the idea of using a dimmer...

I will definitely spend $5 on a dimmer instead of $50 on a thermostat, And I will regulate the temperature using my Infrared thermometer to get it to a more acceptable level.
If you get a dimmer you should be able to remove the cardboard. That's not a good idea to have the UTH on cardboard. If it will cook the carpet what will it do to cardboard?
With the UTH inside your enclosure the only thing you would have to worry about now is your snake urinating on it and shorting it out.