thermostats (help) what do you use?

[RhacHead]

I'm looking for a thermostat for multiple racks. So my question for those of you that have stats that run multiple racks.what thermostat do you use? I was thinking I would get a herpstat pro but was looking for some input.

[kitedemon]

I use a herpstat pro.

[LizardPants]

Herpstat, and Herpstat ND. I'll probably pick up the new Herpstat 4.
If you're looking at the Pro, take a look at the Herpstat 4 which just came out.

[spiderz]

i use jonsohns controls thurmistat with nite drop

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Herpstat for incubator and hatchling racks

Herpstat ND for breeders

Ranco for the colubrid rack and the oil filled heater.

[RhacHead]

OK thanks for the replys. Whats the diffrence between a Herpstat 4 and a pro? Also has anyone used a Vivarium Electronics t-stat?

[LizardPants]

• Grounded outlets
• Humidity control with optional probe
• Slimmer profile
• Has a number in the name

There may be other differences that I'm missing. You should contact Spyder Robotics themselves. Also, if you do decide to go with any Herpstat, some vendors are able to ship much faster than others. I would recommend that you buy it direct from Spyder, or from Cold Blooded Cages.

[TheWinWizard]

I use herpstats.

[Vypyrz]

If you are going to use a Herpstat Pro or 4 to run multiple racks or enclosures, keep this in mind, the temp probe leads that come with the unit are 6 ft. long. So, unless you can position all four racks or enclosures within 6 ft. of the base unit, you may need to order some of the 12 ft. probe extensions to reach everything.

I use a Herpstat Pro.

[spyderrobotics]

If you are going to use a Herpstat Pro or 4 to run multiple racks or enclosures, keep this in mind, the temp probe leads that come with the unit are 6 ft. long. So, unless you can position all four racks or enclosures within 6 ft. of the base unit, you may need to order some of the 12 ft. probe extensions to reach everything.

I use a Herpstat Pro.

The temperature probes for all Herpstats are 12ft.

The Herpstat 4 is my latest design and has a lot of new goodies under the hood. Temperature and light ramping was a big one. Now during day/night switch you can have the temp reach the new setting over a user selectable time (up to 10 hours). So instead of just jumping from day to night temp it can more closely mimic nature. That is now possible because I have new software control over the power output and basically break it down in single percents of the total power so it has a huge smooth range of variable power. This also gave way to a new idea to automatically ramp up to temp when first powered up or after adjusting the settings. Instead of just outputing full power it intelligently adds power. If the temp is rising too fast it backs off the power. This is an important feature for situation like an incubator where you have the door open and it drops a couple of degrees. Most thermostats turn to full power but this causes a lot of instant heat and if you have eggs on a lower rack they are getting that blast of heat while the upper levels take a little bit. With this new feature it gives it a little more time to come up slowly and it may never even need to hit full power if the temp comes back into range. Also it figures out the right amount of power needed to get to and maintain the target temp. Lets just say 6000+ lines of code and its pretty neat what it can do.

The 4 has a safety relay. If any of the solid state switches that control the outputs fail you can turn on a option that will cut power to all outputs with the mechanical relay. It also has a external input that can be used to trigger alarms or shut off a mist pump if the water supply is depleted.

It also has a number in the name.

Actually the number goes toward trying to have better naming scheme. I often get asked how many cages the Pro can control. How many outlets it has. How many probes it comes with. Maybe the Herpstat 4 name will help. ha!

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics