Where is the most inexpensive place to order a decent thermostat/rheostat for my ceramic heat emitter fixture? I'm moving Randal's tank out of our bedroom into the main part of the house. As a result, I'll need to use a CHE at night (for the winter anyway) and would like it to turn on and off as needed so it's not just a constant drain of power. I have a place nearby that can be decent for supplies but are a rip off with some things, so I want to go in knowing what's a good price and what would just be taking me for a ride. Thanks in advance for your input
Also, are there some brands/models that are great or junk, or are they all pretty much the same?
A rheostat is a cheap little device that simply allows you to dim lights (or reduce the heat output from your CHE). It does not know what the temp is and will not shut off automatically. You can find them from 4 to 12 bucks depending on what type. You'll need a good digital probe thermometer so you can make adjustments on the rheostat until you are at the desired temps.