Quote Originally Posted by C2tcardin View Post
I agree with the others don't go cheap on the thermostat it's the single most important piece of equipment you will need.

Here is what I would get, considering you may be trying to keep the cost to a minimum but not skimping too.
Thermostat: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-100
Temp gun: http://www.reptilebasics.com/TG-1
FWIW, the VE-100 you recommended is basically just an expensive on/off thermostat. I'd get at least the VE-200 or any of the Herpstat models, as they're all proprtional-style.