Thanks, that helps a lot- the playdoh is especially a good idea LOL.
I think I'll make one and probably take some pics and post them on the forum to doublecheck if I got everything right. And definitely not going cheap on the thermostat, will be getting a herpstat.
Last question, say I get a small cooler that can only hold three tubs or something- would smaller coolers be less safe/fluctuate temps? Or would it still be okay?