I personally can't maintain temps without using a UTH (under-tank heater). You will also need at least a rheostat to regulate the current to the UTH... if you just plug it in they have been known to reach temps of ~120 degrees.

Bottom line, though, no matter what you use for heating, you really need to drop the $12 on a good thermometer/hygrometer, plus another $2-10 on identical hides for the little guy... you don't want him to have to pick whether he's going to be warm enough or feel secure.

Most of our 'emergencies' on this site are related to poor husbandry, IMO. I don't want you to have to post a 'Help! My BP won't eat/shed/whatever' thread later.

Glad you didn't listen to the pet store employee on the heat rock at least.