Rack Thermostats

[Flikky]

I google searched 'Snake rack thermostats' because I'm looking to build a rack and I was looking for the cheapest way (without sacrificing too much quality) to completely build one. I came across a "Boaphile Plastics" Single thermostat for 100$. This is considerably cheaper then the Helix I was looking at (200$ +) and I was wondering if anyone has ever used the Boaphile Single thermostat before. I'd like some reviews on it if I can get some. I just want to make sure I can get a decent one for 100$.

[Kaorte]

I've not used it personally. I have used a Johnson's controls, herpstat, and two different vivarium exotics thermostats. I prefer the herpstat but the VE thermostats are also good. I would go with a herpstat if $100 is in your price range.

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[reptileexperts]

2x on her herpstat - you can get the herpstat 1 basic for 116 shipped. VERY worth it. Love it on my 9 high CB-70 and my 32qt racks, but I have the Herpstat 2 for the rest of my stuff :-)

[mainbutter]

I like herpstats, the price is right and I've been running 'em since 2008.

[Flikky]

Thank you guys a bunch I'll do more research but it looks like I found my Stat

[kitedemon]

That is a ranco t-stat (the boaphile one) it is a repurposed industrial one and is a on off. I personally would recommend a herpstat 1 if you can afford the extra. I typically recommend a failsafe T-stat the herpstat 1 however protects against over temp (they all do) and under temp (only the herpstats do) and it is questionable. The use of a failsafe increases the safety margin it is used to protect against under temps.

The ranco however is perfect for an oil filled heater, most rack users use on to hold ambient and cool end temps.

[Andrew21]

I like the ve-200 or ve-300. But I haven't used any other brands.

[Flikky]

That is a ranco t-stat (the boaphile one) it is a repurposed industrial one and is a on off. I personally would recommend a herpstat 1 if you can afford the extra. I typically recommend a failsafe T-stat the herpstat 1 however protects against over temp (they all do) and under temp (only the herpstats do) and it is questionable. The use of a failsafe increases the safety margin it is used to protect against under temps.

The ranco however is perfect for an oil filled heater, most rack users use on to hold ambient and cool end temps.

It sounds like the extra few bucks would be well worth it

[kitedemon]

For myself it is a no brainer.

If you feel that there is a chance that sliding a tub over a probe may pull it free. If you feel there is a low chance of a T-stat and a mechanical relay both failing at the same time. It is likely that a Herpstat 1 or higher does not need a fail safe. The VE series for example would need a failsafe so that makes a VE 200 (and a VE100 as a failsafe) very costly 200$ compared to HS1 at 139. I still use a failsafe on my newer herpstats because I can, but I am unsure if I actually need them.