I just read this post from Lord_Jackal in another thread (Hope it's ok to quote):

"...The Ranco is and on/off thermostat. Which means you set a desired temp (say 90 degrees) then you set an offset (say 3 degrees)...then the Ranco will heat up to 90 degrees and shut off completely...it will then allow the flex to cool down 3 degrees to 87 before turning back on to heat back to 90. They work well but made an audible "click" when they turn on/off (annoying if you sleep in the same room)...and are very ineffecient (it is all power or no power). Ranco are industrial thermostats designed for heating/cooling units this is why they have a higher output wattage."

And it got me thinking; I was actually just about to order the Ranco online. I'd obviously rather have the more expensive thermostats that a lot of other people have, but dont quite have the funds for one. However, seeing as I'm not breeding, and just want something to keep my pet from getting fried, is the Ranco an acceptable choice?

I was looking at this model: http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...php?imageid=70
from reptilebasics.

I know there have been millions of posts asking questions about thermostats, but I've never heard HOW they work explained before. I just want to make sure I'm getting something that's going to do what I want it to do. I'll be hooking it up to 1 foot of 11" flexwatt heat tape, which will simply be belly heat for 1 juvenile ball python in a tub.

Please and thank you on answers and info.