I've got all my BP's in tubs, with stick on zilla/zoo-med/whatever brand heat pads, got the probe for the cheap amazon digital thermostat where it should be between the tub and pad, and cannot get to or hold temps worth a thing.
Years ago, when I barely had money for food for myself, I was at least smart enough to buy a helix and flexwatt for the snakes I had back then.
So, yesterday I bit the bullet and now reptile basics is preparing the stuff I should have actually bought in the first place, including a GOOD thermostat.
I've said it to my customers and friends for years and don't always have enough sense to follow it myself:
IT'S EXPENSIVE TO BE CHEAP.
This post brought to you by hubris and shame.