Quote Originally Posted by Jabberwocky Dragons View Post
Depends what you are using it for. The problem with using a cheap t-stat and a rack is that if it doesn't work out, you can end up with a destroyed rack, injured animals, or worse. Do a little searching. T-stats really do fail and this can have serious results:
http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Failure-story

I only use herpstats or VEs and never just one unless it's an enclosure where an "on" fail won't cause havoc, such as my dragon enclosures. Have your primary proportional and then a secondary on/off in case the primary fails. Some things are not worth skimping on and the thermostat is one of these. Even if you can't afford a primary and a backup right now, at least go with the Herpstat as others have mentioned (or the VE). Both companies have great customer service too if you run into any issues.
This is slightly off topic, but... How do you set up a backup thermostat?
I have a herpstat 2 on my rack, and the heat tape is wired to a lamp cord, which plugs directly into the T-stat. Where does the second T-stat come in?