LOL hey you don't need to explain your name - thanks for introducing yourself and you're doing the right thing by researching before purchasing. My boyfriend and I just got our first BP a month and a half ago. It's been a wonderful experience, she's a terrific pet! Low maintenance, friendly, and so interesting! She really is so fascinating and it's been so neat to figure out her preferences and routines. This community has been so wonderful I really enjoy browsing the forums and if you ask for help everyone is more than willing to help. (Thanks everyone)

We didn't know that you needed a thermostat to control an under tank heater pad - so please I pass along my mistake/knowledge in this area as it's very important and we were never told. I'm sure with your extensive research you will come across this info but I'm just sharing my newbie mistake. Luckily our baby never got burned but that can happen without the UTH being controlled by a thermostat.