I think what he might have meant is that you can't have 2 different heat pads plugged into one thermostat at the same time... I could be wrong though. But no, every thermostat will work with every brand of heat mat, the only thing is that, as you've already found, every heat mat is different as far as quality and heat output.

Quote Originally Posted by Keyboard Warrior
the thing cost $50.
Wow, what an overpriced piece of crap On amazon they're only $30, and even that's too much if it works as poorly as you say. The Hydrofarm one is much better, plus it has a digital readout, and of course a proportional one is the best. Is there any way you can get your money back?