IMHO, developing using tubes is really the way to go. You don't have to
fumble around in the dark, you can develop sheets with different
developers/dilutions simultaneously, don't have the scratching problems,
etc. BTZS tubes can be purchased for about $35 per pair (or you can make
your own). Temperature stability is maintained by log-rolling the tubes
in a tray of water. You end up with perfect, even development.
george