What thermostats are you all using? Need help deciding please!

[ReptilesK2]

I really need to upgrade from my $30 thermostat that I bought when I first got into ball pythons 3 months ago.

I'm in the process of building a new rack thats 6 tubs tall by 3 wide.

Need a good reliable thermostat, what thermostats do you guys use?

I would like the price to be in the $100-$150 range, $200 max if needed. I know its not something to go cheap on so I want to pick the right one.

I'm deciding between the Vivarium Electronics, Herpstat 1, & Helix.

Whats the difference between the Viv Elec models (100, 200, 300 etc) Same with the other thermostats.

Is night drop needed? What options are needed for ball pythons? Is there any brands I should stay away from?

Any other brand suggestions are welcome!

BTW, how do I make a poll?

Edit: Nevermind I got it, it was on the next page lol.

Edit: Another question, What is the difference between non-proportional and proportional thermostats?

Edit: Another question, (LOL) Whats grounded mean?

[Alexandra V]

I'm a Herpstat user, and I love it. It's always been super accurate and reliable, so that was my vote. And no, night drop is not necessary. Keep the same temps day and night.

[ReptilesK2]

I'm a Herpstat user, and I love it. It's always been super accurate and reliable, so that was my vote. And no, night drop is not necessary. Keep the same temps day and night.

Thanks! Yeah, I've seen that lots of people have used them and they look nice also.

[John1982]

I'm only using 1 right now but it's a Helix that's been running flawlessly since 2008.

[Vypyrz]

Non-Proportional thermostats turn on and run the heater up to a selected temperature, then it shuts off until the heater cools down to another set temperature.

A Proportional thermostat continually runs, and is constantly making small adjustments to the electrical current so that the temperature stays constant.

I use a Herpstat Pro for my PVC enclosures, and my tubs are being ran with VE-100's.

[ReptilesK2]

Non-Proportional thermostats turn on and run the heater up to a selected temperature, then it shuts off until the heater cools down to another set temperature.

A Proportional thermostat continually runs, and is constantly making small adjustments to the electrical current so that the temperature stays constant.

I use a Herpstat Pro for my PVC enclosures, and my tubs are being ran with VE-100's.

Thanks, for the explanation.
So should I get a proportional thermostat?

[Royal Hijinx]

I just ordered a VE 200, and will use my on/off as a back up for my rack that is coming.

[ReptilesK2]

I just ordered a VE 200, and will use my on/off as a back up for my rack that is coming.

Im deciding between the Viv Elec VE200 and the Herpstat 1!

[mkeller13]

Thanks, for the explanation.
So should I get a proportional thermostat?

Yes you should get a proportional. It will give you much more control over temps. I use a Herpstat as my primary therm, and a Ranco on/off as my back-up thermostat. It's always a good idea to back up your primary thermostat.

[ReptilesK2]

Yes you should get a proportional. It will give you much more control over temps. I use a Herpstat as my primary therm, and a Ranco on/off as my back-up thermostat. It's always a good idea to back up your primary thermostat.

Ok thanks, I think I'm gonna go with the Herpstat 1!