Best Thermostat for single rack?

Also, if I went with the belly heat option, what is the easiest way to connect 10 separate pieces of flexwatt to one thermostat? Can all ten pieces be connected to one plug? Sorry to seem like such a beginner, I'm used to dealing with large separate heat pads or panels for larger snakes. This medium sized snake set up is new to me. I appreciate all the help guys,thanks.

Matt here is how you can set them in paralell. I do not think you have faulty heat tape. I think it may be a faulty connection. I have had the same problem. Did you use the crimping tool for the flexwatt? If not you may want to use a vice to pinch the clips together. Another thing you can do is solder it. here is that link:
http://www.beanfarm.com/heating/Flexwatt_parallel.pdf

I had the clips already attached when it was sent to me. This is becoming a very big hassle so I think I'll use the 6ft strip i have now for belly heat for a larger snake and just buy 10 piece belly heat version.

I prefer to solder my heat tape to the wire to ensure a connection. It is a little bit of a pain to strip the plastic off the copper without damaging it, but I find its worth it. I have been using heat tape in this fashion for a decade.
Thermostats, thats a different animal. I use multiple pieces of 11" flex-watt hooked in parallel on one thermostat. I generally use a rheostat to prevent the heat tape from ever getting too hot in conjunction with the thermostat.

I know this question related to a post over a month ago but:

How are you measuring your temps at the back of the tubs?