really, the reptitemp is awful. it would freak out on me. dropping to 72 and then spiking to 114. its not healthy at all for these animals. i spent the money and invested in a johnson ( 87.00 with shipping i think ) and it works perfectly. i only ever slightly adjust the thing if it gets well below freezing outside ( my snake is near a wall that is an outdoor wall ). other than that, its perfect. the reptitemps are 53, i'd see if you could get the other 30ish dollars and just spend the money once. and believe me, i know the money thing is a pain ( <<< fellow college kid! ).

good luck!