I like to start my ale fermentations at the low end of the range for 2 days and then slowly ramp them up to the upper end of the range by day 7. I do the same with lagers, but more slowly over about 10 days. This helps with diacetyl in both and makes sure the yeast don't floc out too early.
The aquarium heater is a great solution for 1 or 2 carboys. After that you need to start thinking of a makeshift isolation chamber, a cheap $9 walmart space heater, and a temp controller. The enclosure can be as simple as a table with a blanket draped over it (remember building forts as a kid?). Just keep the heater away from it.
I am basically making an isolation chamber this year. With either a space heater or lightbulbs in a box vented into the chamber. I think I saw someone else do that on this forum before.
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