I just got my 47"x23"x12" repti rack cage with a 65w heat panel for my dumerils boa.

I haven't set it up yet cause I'm lost on temp. control. I know a thermostat is best. But my concern is, my dumerils does move from one side to the other. With the thermostat probe under the heat panel on the floor, I'm sure she will either cover it with bedding or even cover the probe with her body.

Would I be better off using a something like a rheostat since my reptile room is temp. controlled itself and the temp. is pretty stable?

Thanks for any help/info.
Steve