When should I change my thermostat?

So I'm using a hydrofarm thermostat for 3 snakes and I need to know, when should I change my thermostat into a more expensive thermostat? I was looking at my recent thread that I posted and many agree and disagree with using a hydrofarm thermostat. I like the thermostat and it doesnt seem that much different than other thermostats except this one is cheaper. At what number of snakes should I change my thermostat? One member said that the more number of snakes, I should get a better thermostat.

I have 1 ranco etc 111000 for 4 balls and another rancho etc 111000 for 2 boas

I think it depends on the wattage the thermostat can handle and what wattage your heat tape puts out per enclosure ...

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Originally Posted by Maddumpling

So I'm using a hydrofarm thermostat for 3 snakes

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Need more background info. First off what kind of setup are you housing these 3 snakes (BP's?) in, a rack, tubs or tanks?

I keep them in tubs. And have 4 inch heat tape for 3 rows.

Is it working and holding temps correctly? are you getting spikes or not? It is not that simple. Do you use a back up? Personally before buying any other type I'd back up the one you have. A fail safe cannot ever be under rated. Weather you choose to buy something better and use the hydrofarm as a failsafe or if you buy a second hydrofarm it really doesn't make much difference. If what you have is working then it is working if not you need to change.

proportional units are very different and simply cannot be lumped with on off units. It is like trying to compare a motorcycle to a delivery van they both have wheels and move but there really is little in common. On turns on and off many times a second to keep temps exact temp the other is a mean temp of the few degrees over and few degrees under.

Oh, since you brought up proportional units, what are they? What is the difference between other thermostats?

Here is a link to a excellent article that discusses the difference between on/off style vs. proportional style thermostats: http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostat_faq

The proportional thermostat I would recommend is this: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-200