I have ranco on my snake cages, I didn't plan ahead enough for mutli clutchs I am now working on. So I have to figure out a back up t-stat myself. I was just planning on using the ESU one i have laying under the bed in container this year since I have it on hand and never had a problem with it. I am planning on getting a better one for next season since I have more clutchs and higher value ones. I pretty annoying about my temps I checked the hobuvator 4-5 times a day easy just to check the temp so far so good. I am also planningon doing the same with the ESU when I set up the coke machine with it tomorrow. BUt it will be a bit more easier since the machine in the snake room and has a higher level tempature than my bed room(which goes from 65-78 all the time ) the reptile room more along the lines of a 80-85 if I got the heat vent open wide of just a crack.

I always plann on running the units at least 2-4 weeks befoer the planned eggs. The other 2 clutchs are not as close to being layed as my het pied...( these get the hobuvator )