The heat pad simply plugs into the wall without any sort of temperature control. The heat pad feels warm but not hot and is under a layer of aspen, which is what I was referring to as sawdust like. I do in fact have thermostats, I made the mistake of calling them temperature gauges above. They are simple dial thermometers and the cooler side of the tank averages around 75 degrees Fahrenheit while the warmer side is 85 degrees on ground level right above his heating pad. I am posting pictures below.