Light Dimmer issue

[zackw419]

alright, im using a $10 light dimmer for my bp's tub and im glad to have it and it helps alot, but it seems like there is never a constant temp for more than 30 mins- 1hr, the temp is either always climbing or falling, i can never get it to stay! Even when the temps in my house are constant. I am using an Acu-rite thermostat. Is there any kind of two-in-one thing that you can program to a certain temperature and have the uth stay at that temp constantly?

It would be like a thermostat/lightdimmer combo.

Anyway the least expensive would be best but im willing to spend more if necessary.

[JeffJ]

what you're looking for is a herpstat/thermostat

proportional is better

[Kaorte]

http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75
This is a thermostat. It takes some fidling but once you find the sweet spot you are golden. The temps should not fluctuate more than +/- 2*

Dimmers are a good quick fix, but they do have their downfalls. You do need to adjust them as the room temperature changes.

[bobbyd6929]

alright, im using a $10 light dimmer for my bp's tub and im glad to have it and it helps alot, but it seems like there is never a constant temp for more than 30 mins- 1hr, the temp is either always climbing or falling, i can never get it to stay! Even when the temps in my house are constant. I am using an Acu-rite thermostat. Is there any kind of two-in-one thing that you can program to a certain temperature and have the uth stay at that temp constantly?

It would be like a thermostat/lightdimmer combo.

Anyway the least expensive would be best but im willing to spend more if necessary.

By thermostat here, you mean thermometer, correct?

I also used a dimmer but due to my fluctuating room temps it was very unsteady so I began using a Zilla on/off thermostat that I got from a friend and my problems went away. They are around 50$ at petco.

^^^ that would be the cheapest fix, but not by all means the best.

There are many threads on this site that debate about the best Proportional Thermostat, such brands as a Herpstat or Helix that can run you 100$+

Here are a few links to threads on this site that discuss various Thermostat options;

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ght=thermostat

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ing+thermostat

[southernboagurl]

Have to agree with everyone on here. I have used a dimmer switch spliced in and hooked up to a dual probed thermometer with a hot & cold end with the probes. It does better than those dial thermometers or the stick thermomters but it does change with the room's temperature. The thermostats will be the way you want to go ultimately. There are many out there at different price ranges and have different purposes.

Good luck

[snakedork]

There are several ways to skin this cat. All of which do require a thermostat to dial it in perfectly. You can buy the ESU/zoomed/what ever they are calling it today. It is relatively inexpensive. One step above that would be the ranco or johnson controls. These are a lot easier to dial in to the desired temps. They are both digital so instead of a dial you can program in a temp and then adjust from that. You can also go to a proportional thermostat. These operate by reducing current to the heat source. It is slightly more expensive but most people think its well worth it after you get one, I myself like my herpstat pro a little overkill but it can handle several enclosures or racks. I know both the herpstat and helix are going to set you back about 150 bucks after shipping so it isn't exactly cheap but when looking at the big picture. How much did you spend on your enclosure. Over heating an aquarium and cracking the bottom glass pretty much makes it scrap. I have used all of the above and am still using the johnson controls, ranco and my herpstat pro. I personally would not pick up the zoomed because it took like 2 weeks to tune that thing in to where i was happy. I just replaced it last weekend by plugging it into my herpstat. It took me 4 minutes to program it and had it right the first time due to the fact I had the same rack already running on the herpstat.

[brainman1000]

I use rotary dimmer switches for all of mine and they work fine. The temp does fluctuate slightly during the day, but nothing that would worry me (+-2 degrees). One thing you have to remember is that the temp doesn't have to remain at an absolutely constant temp.

[pitbulls4me]

I ordered a Ranco one and wired it up tonight. It was easy to set up and I will have it set up tomorrow. Mine are on dimmer switches now so i am hoping it will make it a whole lot better. That only ran me about $70 bucks shipped. And then I just needed an extention cord and power strip and I was set!

[mainbutter]

I use a slide dimmer, and I've got great constant temps.

However I heat my reptile room to 77 degrees and that really helps keep temps stable. If you're fighting colder temps you have to run your heat source hotter, which accounts for more variation.

[zackw419]

thanks for your input!