I don't know why you would even use an aquarium with these guys if you could just buy a tub lol. I mean the aquariums are fine and look sweet, but when I found I could go to walmart and spend 5-12 on a tub, I was really happy and did just that. Also Rheostats are a pain! I really wouldn't waste your money on anything like a dimmer or a rheostat, same thing essentially. I actually just got a new snake and I'm using a UTH and a thermo for the snake i have had, and thought that I would be able to run my new one on the thermo as well. WRONG, two different heat devices heat up differently so my one was always hotter (98). So I tried using a rheostat I had laying around, and man what piece of trash. I don't know how you could possibly reliably keep temps stable with that thing. If you use it your going to be constantly adjusting it. I would wait for a thermostat. The one I got was only 30-40 bucks, nothing special but it works. Also look into tubs, they hold humidity perfectly!!! Never had a prob yet. Also I had an aquarium like you, but switched to these, worth looking into! Good luck!!