Lamp Thermostat ?

What would be a good thermostat for a overhead heat lamp? I've been using one for the ambient temps of my BP's 10 gallon tank and I think it may be getting to warm at times. Not deadly hot, but 87 and I think it should be around 80

there re not really any good thermostat for a lamp they work by turning the source on and off it would be very stressful for a snake. The answer is a rheostat not a thermostat it is a voltage vary system the same as a dimmer switch.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

there re not really any good thermostat for a lamp they work by turning the source on and off it would be very stressful for a snake. The answer is a rheostat not a thermostat it is a voltage vary system the same as a dimmer switch.

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Yeah, that would be better yet.. Any suggestions?

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Here's one from Zoo Med http://www.reptilesupply.com/product...roducts_id=489 It's pretty cheap. Any Good?

A proportional thermostat paired with an infrared or blacklight heat lamp is what I would use. A proportional thermostat will act like an automated dimmer and an infrared/blacklight heat lamp will produce light that doesn't bother a snake like a bright white lamp would.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

A proportional thermostat paired with an infrared or blacklight heat lamp is what I would use. A proportional thermostat will act like an automated dimmer and an infrared/blacklight heat lamp will produce light that doesn't bother a snake like a bright white lamp would.

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I already have the Zoo Med double lamp with the day/night bulbs.. I'd hate to start over if I can add to and make it work. Thanks for the suggestion though, I might have to change everything, I don;t know

I personally would not use a proportional t-stat with a lamp of any kind IR or blacklight (which are not good to use in anyway the UVB-C they are designed to output is harmful to the snakes eyes and your eyes too) this will cause strobing and constant variation.

from the designer of herpstat proportional Thermostats


Question:
Can the Herpstat be used with overhead basking lights?

Answer:
Thermostat control of lamps that provide visible illumination is not ideal. The lamp would constantly be changing brightness and turning/off during regulation which may be stressful for the animal or the owner. If you need to provide heat from above then a radiant heat panel or ceramic heat emitter should be used. Then a low wattage bulb can be added for illumination of the enclosure.



Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

A rheostat can be bought from most hardware stores and if you are unsure of electrical work you can often buy wired ones from pet stores or sometimes you can get lamp cords that have one built in.

I currently have 4 Infrared heat lamps hooked up to a Herpstat 4. The changing in brightness really isn't a big deal as it changes in small increments. If I switch them to on/off mode they drive me nuts. Just my $0.02

OK, so the Rheostat isn't going to dim the lights when it hits a certain temp? I would still have to do this manually and just try to adjust to keep the ambient where I want it?

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermos...onics-ve-200d/

This is a dimming thermostat. I have not used it. I have used this website for other items and am pleased.

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Originally Posted by arialmt

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermos...onics-ve-200d/
This is a dimming thermostat. I have not used it. I have used this website for other items and am pleased.

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That is the same type of thermostat that I am talking about, a proportional dimming thermostat.

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Originally Posted by BillinIndiana

OK, so the Rheostat isn't going to dim the lights when it hits a certain temp? I would still have to do this manually and just try to adjust to keep the ambient where I want it?

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Yes a rheostat is a manual device whereas a thermostat is an automated device. If the room your cage is in stays about the same temperature most of the time a rheostat will be much cheaper and be just as effective. But if your room temperatures change often you are going to have to moniter cage temperatures and adjust the rheostat. I personally prefer an automated system that regulates itself. That's why I use and reccommend thermostats.