Thermostat Options

I've been using Hydrofarms for my corns who are much more tolerant of varying temps than balls seem to be. Now that I've got a ball, I have her currently on a Hydrofarm (separate from my corn rack) and though it's doing the job, I'm looking at investing in a higher end thermostat since I'm going to be getting more balls in the next year or so. I've been looking at a number of options and though I'm leaning towards the Herpstat 1, I'd also like opinions/experience with others. The Vivarium Electronics variety looks nice though I'd prefer a dimming style if possible. These will be used in melamine racks with 3" and 11" flexwatt (obviously 1 thermostat per rack/size).

Herpstats are the way to go, You get the most thermostat/features for your money with them. The Herpstat 2 & 4 are cost effective ways to have multiple thermostats

I have a few Herpstat 4's and love them, they are extremely accurate and the interface/menu system is easy to use.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMG_0342.jpg

I also love Herpstats, and the 4s are also my favorites.

I have a VE-200 and havent had any problems with it. Id highly reccomend it, but Herpstats are equally as nice. Plus you can get herpstats with a blue led background so thats a plus lol. I find the VE's green one kinda bland :/

I use the Vivarium Electronics and I have to say I love them. They are super easy to use and are very accurate. I also like how they are stackable. The VE200 and 300 are also proportional and mine are not only accurate, they are exceptionally consistant.

The only downside I have found is that you'd need one for each rack - or use a VE300-x2 for two racks (that one's dual zone). But if you have more than 2 racks, you could get the Herpstat 4 and operate all 4 racks on one t-stat which would be more economical in the long run. But as far as the VE t-stats go, they are a super product and I think you'd be quite happy with one... :gj:

We have a herpstat intro, it is awesome.

We are currently using the Herpstat 4 and absolutely love it! Since it sounds like you are planning on more than 1 rack I would highly recommend the Herpstat 2 if you are just planning on 2 racks or if you plan on having more than definitely go with the 4.

Thank you all for your info and recommendations on this. In about 1.5-2 years, I'm going to need a bp hatchling rack, bp adult rack, and then I already have 3 racks for my corns. Granted, the corns don't need anything more than what they have, but it wouldn't be bad to have the 4 in case I go a little nuts with balls. Since I'm having trouble keeping my hands off my new girl, that's a good possibility. If nothing else, one probe can also run a large incubator since I incubate the corn eggs on the top shelf because that works. Ball eggs are going to need a bit more regulated temp from what I've been seeing.

In that case, I'd recommend the Herpstat 4. Just be prepared to shell out about $339 +/-. But that's still cheaper than 3 VE300's, lol... Considering what you want to run on it though, it'd be well worth the investment. :gj:

I love the herpstats I have 3 pros and one 4, and some others. There are others to look at ecozone (http://ecozonevivarium.com/products-...ntrollers.aspx) and digital aquatics herpkeeper (http://www.digitalaquatics.com/news/announcingHK1)

The interesting part of both is the ability to remote reporting and alerts. If I was planning of running an incubator of any size this is one heck of a selling point. Just to toss out some of the other options.