Thermostats have my head spinning!

:P

From the boards, I understand a thermostat is absolutely not the item to skimp on, but in researching them, I am not sure I'm 100% on exactly what I'm looking at feature-benefit vs. cost-wise.

I had planned on spending $100 - $150 on a thermostat, but will spend more if it makes sense for my needs. I will have a single ball python in a 48" Polyethylene cage (Showcase Cages). I was looking at Vivarium Electronics: http://www.vivariumelectronics.com/Products.html

I'd seen some good feedback on these thermostats, can I assume they are still a good option? And if so, is there a particular model that would make the most sense?

TIA.

I myself have a herpastat from spyder robotics. Awesome thermostat.

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Get a HerpstatII. Use the first probe for the UTH, and maybe the second if you ever find an additional need for it.

Get the VE-200. The VE-100 is on/off, and one of the features you want is that it's proportional power distribution. This gives much more consistent temps.

People will tell you for 100 - 150 range to choose from these:

Vivarium Electronics VE-200

Spyder Robitics Herpstat 1 or 2 (1 might be on/off)

Main choices, IMO, would be Herpstat, Helix, and VE.

Helix is the oldest and one of the most trusted brands.
Herpstat is my personal favorite, I use these exclusively. They're just as reliable as Helix, but slightly less expensive.
I haven't seen a VE in person, yet.

I would suggest herpstats as well particularly the herpstat1. It is a bit more but the additional safety features it brings to the table are beyond all its competition.

1 it uses 'soft heat' system even after a power failure when the temp is cool it does not just click on delivering 100% power it slowly adds power to avoid high spikes especially important with tubs.

2 It employs a mechanical relay that during a failure is more likely to fail closed than open.

3 It also has Over and Under temp protection. This is the biggest feature on the unit. It will protect against probe movement if the probe becomes separated from the heat source it will shut off power at the point the user selects.

This unit and the other units with these feature are the ONLY ones I'd suggest being used with out a failsafe (to protect against failure and probe movement)

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by MrLang

Spyder Robitics Herpstat 1 or 2 (1 might be on/off)

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Herpstats are all proportional they do not make on/off units.

Yea, I love my VE-200. It works like a charm. It's the only one i've ever used so I can't say much for the others. They cost $114.99 on the Reptile Basics Web Site.

This is super helpful. So basically, it looks like I'd want to compare the VE-200 to the Herpstat 1.
Do either of these (or is it even necessary?) offer an option in case I ever want to control humidity without having to use a spray bottle?

The herpstat looks to have more features, and I particularly like the dimming perk... but I like the look of the VE. Ha!

Come to think of it jinx has a really great video comparing the two for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM9sZ3A4qow

I would go with the VE-300 it has audible alarms and night drop built-in.
You can't go wrong with the other two brands either.
All three are quality products so pick the one that fits your future plans the best.