yes you need one with an UTH. You can either use a rheostat which is basically a dimmer switch, or a thermostat which will turn the UTH on and off to maintain a specific temp. ZooMed makes the ReptiTemp 500R thermostat which is cheap and good. I think reptilesupply.com has the best price. Then order it from LLLreptile.com and tell them reptile supply's price since they will beat any price by 5%