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I did a series of tests on the hydrofarm the probe accuracy is... poor at best. The silver thermometer (reading 26.9ºC <80.42ºF>) is a traceable very accurate thermocouple, basically it is correct. The hydrofarms are 83.8, 82.4, and 81.6. The best of the three is a degree high. these are the new and improved accuracy versions. What the older versions are like I can only imagine. The probe response is ok but the unit overshoots easily and takes 2 or 3 degrees to kick in and off.
I'd say it might be ok in a rack especially if the rack is in a controlled temperature room. It works best with indirect heat in a mostly regulated room. Not so great in cool rooms with direct heat on thin walled enclosures.
personally I'd not trust a rack of animals to anything but the very best available. 5-10 animals on a single unit, trusted to a 30 dollar seedling starter thermostat seems a poor decision to me.
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