Herpstat 1 or VE-200?

I know that this has been posted before and I searched and could not find it. Which do you prefer? I will be running a 10 tub 32 qt. sterilite rack with it with flexwatt back heat that will be within the wattage restrictions for both.

Thanks in advance for any input, i have looked at both and am constantly wavering.

There is a active thread on this.


General consensus seemed to be Herpstat.

I own both of them and both are top notch and either one is great choice. I honestly prefer the VE tstats.

Thanks, I found the old thread, I knew I remembered reading it. From what i derive they are basically similar in functionality just small features (lighting displays) that separate them. Any other input?

The circuitry in the Herpstats is better, and they have more functionality. The herpstat also has additional safety features integrated that the VE line does not.

The backup relay in the Herpstat 1s, 2s and 4s are a great safety feature. It basically acts as a backup thermostat built in. It is designed so in the event of a hardware failure on the proportional side for the thermostat circuitry there is a secondary mechanical switch that can still shut the unit down. It is user settable in how the relay is triggered by default it is not set. You would want to look at the manual and find which method is best for your setup. Here is also a great article Dion the owner of Spyder Robotics wrote up about thermostat safety.

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/s...afetytips.html

Helix. Although this forum seems to be partial to herpstats and ap racks.

I too like the herpstat but I also like helix as well I have used an ecozone too it also is a great unit. A good friend uses the Digital aquatics reef keeper so I would expect the herpkeeper to be similar a solid unit. I have not used a VE but I have concerns with them;

The various reports of what seems to be a software issue / memory issue. Failure to hold settings after a power failure and I feel like that is linked to the failure to hold input setting as well.

The second issue is the missing specs... The manual and web site and all the information do not mention accuracy. What is the probe accuracy? The only answer I ever got was from a re-seller and he •thought• it was about 1º F up or down. To my mind that is simply unacceptable. Especially in light that very, very, few keepers have accurate thermometers.

I hope that they get the manual finished and specs written or finalized soon. Being expected to use a Microsoft product to read the manual is annoying.