Quote Originally Posted by tbowman View Post
Dimmers are a viable solution but require a lot more attention to detail. Thermostats are hardly expensive. If somebody cant pay 40 dollars for proper temperature regulation, they're in the wrong hobby.
A 40$ cheap Zilla thermostat is not reliable at all. In my opinion people put too much stock into the functionality of a thermostat and just let it go unchecked, without manually checking hot spot temps with a heat gun. I find this to be especially true with new herpers, who set up the thermostat and just assume it is at the correct temps.

For a dependable thermostat you are looking at 100$ or more. I think it's a good exercise in proper husbandry to check temps daily anyways.

If you have one bp IMO there is no point in a thermostat when you can modulate your temps just fine with a dimmer and temp gun. Put the 90$ you saved into an account and use it for medical care if necessary.

As noted earlier, this all hinges on having relatively stable room temps. Major swings in ambient room temps definitely require more attention the hot spot.