It seems like a lot but really good t-stats are $100 for just one so up to 4 for that price really isn't bad. You could probably get away with hydrofarms for now but why waste money on cheap ones when you can buy the right one once? It will be cheaper in the long run to have a good t-stat. I love my 1basic for my BP. It is really good. If I ever end up with a small rack I am getting a higher model.

My vote, keep using hydrofarms until you can afford a Herpstat or te Vivarium Electeonics (VE) as a second choice.