Thermostat.....You really do get what you pay for.

[jfreels]

If you are running two different types of heat tape, or different sizes of the same heat tape, then you will either need two thermostats, or one that has two outputs.

Yes!

Also, I have had no problem with my HydroFarm t-stats. Should have done your research first, OP.

The thermostat was for him, and it is doing a crappy job of keeping his ambient temps steady like I wanted.

I'd use a CHE for the ambient temps if you're that worried about them. A heat pad strapped to the side might not ever give you the numbers you want to see if you keep your snake in a cool room.