Rheostat or Thermostat?

[bigwes2412]

I'm going to buy either the Repti Temp rheostat, which I understand to be essentially a dimmer, or the 500R thermostat, which for the price is probably not a high-end unit. My only question is whether or not I can control two different heating units to run at 2 different temps?

I need the heat lamp I have to keep my warm side between 80 - 85. And I need the uth to keep the other side 90-95. Which one is going to do a better job of keeping both units at the right temp?

[Buttons]

You could get 1 of each and just place the rheostat in-line with the device you want dialed higher or lower.


500r ----> rheostat ----> lamp

500r ----> UTH


Neither device will control 2 devices at 2 different temps.

[bigwes2412]

I also bought the acu rite thermometer/hygrometer combo today. Separate question, but where on the cool end should I put the unit? Just on top of the substrate or what?

[Buttons]

I also bought the acu rite thermometer/hygrometer combo today. Separate question, but where on the cool end should I put the unit? Just on top of the substrate or what?

1" or so above the substrate

[dr del]

Hi,

To be honest the kit is going to have niggling problems during use whichever of those two you use.

The on/off nature of the thermostat will obviously be switching the bulb on and off which really tends to shorten its lifetime and, incidently, drive you nuts.

But it will auto adjust the hot end.

The dimmer will not auto adjust anything and that could be a problem if your room temps vary a lot. The unit you describe doesn't have the best reputation even when compared to a $12 lutron light dimmer either from what I remember.

The best ideas close to your budget would be either;

500r--------Dimmer-----Cool end UTH
|
----------------Warm end UTH

This should keep the temps stable no matter what your room temp does.


-----------Dimmer-------Cool end Lamp
|
---Dimmer------Warm end UTH

This will need constant monitoring and adjustment unless your room temps are very stable.


dr del