I have to agree the Johnson and rancho controls are designed for large commercial purposes. Heater and refrigerator. So the research and development that goes into them is huge. Some businesses have BIG BIG money tied up in there refrigeration units so the Controls are very important to them. How much Research and development goes into that little plastic on/off thermostats. I would say none, if any very little. Many of them are 500 watts and 1000 watts thermostats. When they fail they fail in the on position because the contacts that switch the power on/off weld themselves shut which puts all that power right to the UTH. Honestly I would spend the money if you can and buy a Herpstat. I have 5 of them and have had them for a good number of years now they are the best money I have spent. Helix is another one but I have heard that they are having quality control problems in there newer unit. After that big long rant here is what I would suggest for probe placement. First off I would pick one or the other for heating. A heat lamp or a UTH both is asking for a cooked kid . If they are hooked together and the thermostat failed it might heat the tank to the point that the animal couldn't thermo regulate. I would go with a UHT if it were me, they tend to do better when humidity is a factor. Heat lamps really dry out a tank quick. Put the probe directly under the hot spot or in the middle of the UTH Set the thermostat to the hot spot temp. Insure the cool side stays above the mid 70's at night. Your little girl will take care of the rest. Hope this helps


Chuck