I'm not sure but you may be confusing a thermometer with a thermostat. A thermometer reads temps and a thermostat regulates them. When it comes to an inexpensive and reliable thermostat I use Hydrofarms. I've used these for years without any issues. As far as thermometers go I like the acurite models. They're more accurate than the analog ones that stick on.
http://www.amazon.com/MTPRTC-ETL-Cer...arm+thermostat
http://www.amazon.com/AcuRite-00325-...te+thermometer