actually, I just turn the back heat pad down to low. A dimmer would work well though. I change the substrate once a week. I disinfect with hot water with a little bit of alchohol in it, then rinse well. Nolvasan would be better, Ill be getting some of that soon... if you use a alchohol/bleach solution, make sure you rinse the heck out of it and air out the enclosure well before returning the froggies.