thermostats

whats the other brand of thermostats, helix and?

and is there a cheaper DIY soulution to setting up a thermostat?

got the rack built today, just need to get the flex and thermo set up

There are quite a few brands.
Herpstat
http://www.coldbloodedsupply.com/pro...-SHIPPING.html
RBI VE
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-100
Johnsons
http://www.reptilebasics.com/johnson...stat-pre-wired
Ranco
http://www.reptilebasics.com/ranco-etc-111000-pre-wired
Hydrofarm
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...9563405&sr=8-1

These are all ones I'd recommend. I'm sure there are plenty more out there also :)

Can the herpstat run a rack system type setup? or is something like the herpstat 2 or pro needed.

It depends....is the flexwatt like a circuit or are you using multiple cords?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AlbertaBP

Can the herpstat run a rack system type setup? or is something like the herpstat 2 or pro needed.

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The entry level Herpstat can run up to 500 watts. You just need to figure out how much watts you are running. For instance, the 3" Flexwatt runs at 6 watts per foot. So If you have 20 feet of this Flexwatt, you would be using 120 watts. Well within the Herpstat's range.

I like herpstats but there are ecozone, habistat, and herp keeper. The ecozone and herp keepers are super advanced and not something you would ever connect to a rack. It is designed specifically for enclosures (lighting heating cooling misting and settings for different seasons as well)

On/off styles work well with racks but generally best with stable room temps and one that is not too cool. Porportional will handle basically any conditions and Rheostats work great as long as the room is completely stable.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by saber2th

The entry level Herpstat can run up to 500 watts. You just need to figure out how much watts you are running. For instance, the 3" Flexwatt runs at 6 watts per foot. So If you have 20 feet of this Flexwatt, you would be using 120 watts. Well within the Herpstat's range.

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the 3" flexwatt comes in 6 and 10 watts per ft.,the 10 watt is potentially dangerous and all that is needed is 6 watt per ft. for proper temps.

I love my RB VEs
As long as you are doing one of two things with the flex-watt you are good.
1 run one full strip over all your shelving
2 multiple pieces MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALL THE EXACT SAME LENGTH (you will still get a little temp difference)

As stated, just make sure you are not trying to power more flex-watt that the stat can handle.;)