thnaks for the advice you've helped alotDimmer switch will only help some. You should have one hide over it and another identical hide on the cooler side.
I would get a heat gun to measure the temps over the heat pad if you really want to go dimmer switch, but you can get a thermostat from big apple reptile supply for about $40.
thanks i ve been looking for a cheap thermostat and yeah money i kinda tight right now im going to comicon next wed!Dimmer switches are only good if your house remains at a VERY consistent temperature at all times. I've used these thermostats...http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTP...?s=garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1310613293&sr=1-1...and they work pretty good. I've never had one fail yet. Ultimately, a Herpstat or Helix is better and more reliable, but those are pretty good if you are on a budget.

