Why is this digital thermostat so cheap?

[Anya]

from what I understand. I don't see much of a point of spending the $30 on the hydrofarm, which is okay as far as cheap thermostats go, when you have a dimmer. You could keep the dimmer for another 6 months, save your $30, save up money however you do (someone mentioned you don't have a job, but maybe help your parents out around the house?) and for $60-$80 you can get a thermostat that will last you years. Once the probe on the hydrofarm goes, you have to replace the whole thing, then that's another $30 for another one. I've only had mine for about 2 months and I don't know the life span of the probe, so I can't help you there.

Not the problem. I'm a student, and am not to get a job until I finish school. I could have one, but I shouldn't, see? But at the same time, this year my family is building a house, and money is tight. My dad was an angel and bought Axel and his set-up for me. Some may say, "Why on earth would you take on the expense of an animal at that point??" I bought Axel to take my mind of stress of life, and to be a hobby. I'm caring for him to the best of my ability, and although the dimmer is okay right this moment, I AM having to fiddle with it constantly, as my home (a drafty/baking hot trailer) right now isn't even SLIGHTLY temp controlled. I am at the mercy of mother nature, and she isn't being very merciful. I'm terrified to leave the house during the day, because often when I get home (or wake up in the morning for that matter...) My temps have wildly fluxuated. I'm planning on being out of town part of next month and part of august, and I just can't take him with me. Someday I want to get into some hobby breeding and fun stuff like that, and at that point, I'll buy one of the more reliable thermostats to control a rack. But as for Axel, I need something that will keep his uth nice and stable for the time being. I just can't plunk down 60-120 bucks right now (or anytime terribly soon), and that's that. lol.