Good heating setup?

So I have been shopping around for heating elements to use with my two bin setups, and was wondering if this looks like a safe and reliable way to heat/monitor my 32quart and 52 quart bins? I know heat tape would probably be cheaper than the pads, but I've never used it so I'm a bit iffy. Is one inherently better than the other? I'm also very paranoid about something malfunctioning and catching fire or burning my snakes.. Is the VE-200/200D a safe thermostat? It's pricey, but unless there is a less expensive option that's just as reliable, I wouldn't be comfortable going cheap on the thermostat.

http://i59.tinypic.com/295wz6r.jpg

I personally like these style temp guns better, you don't have to press the thermometer onto the surface to measure the temperature.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_73790-56005-...ductId=3136869

I like this heat gun much better. It is only $5 more and you can check heat from a farther distance. http://www.reptilebasics.com/pe-2%20oem