Considering a herpstat 2: Opinions / Sources?

hello everyone!

I apologize for posting yet another thread, but I need some additional info from those of you that have a herpstat 2 or similar proportional thermostat.

Right now I'm using rheostats and a on/off type thermostat as a safety backup. I tried using the thermostat as it was intended and was aghast at the crazy temp swings (it has an error range of 2 degrees, add that to a UTH that heats for a while after it shutting off and you have temps from 89 - 97 in less than 30 mins). That said the rheostats are keeping a much stabler temp and are a good temporary solution.

I currently have 2 setups, one for a KSB that needs slightly higher temps (95 hot spot) and one for a hognose that needs slightly lower temps (90 hot spot). Because of this, I'm assuming a herpstat 2, with 2 inputs would be the best solution for me.

What I'd like to know from you guys, is how you feel about your herpstat 2, if it keeps good temps in both enclosures, was easy / hard to program, etc. I'd also love to hear where you got yours and how much they typically run for (I've seen the recommended price on spyder, but am curious if a cheaper source is out there).

Also if anyone recommends another thermostat with similar capabilities, that would be great too.

Thanks again for your help!
Artgecko

Herpstats are great. Very easy to program and control. I don't have any experience with the 2, but have a couple pros and they're my favorites. I've only ever purchased from Spyder, so can't recommend another supplier.

Another to give a look at is RBIs VE-300X2. I recently bought one to try, because I like that they can be stacked.
http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermos...nics-ve-300x2/

Also very easy to set up and program. The only complaint I have at all with it, is that I really wish I could set temperatures in tenths of a degree as I can with herpstat.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

What I'd like to know from you guys, is how you feel about your herpstat 2, if it keeps good temps in both enclosures...

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Simply put, they're the best out there - the most reliable thermostat available in terms of both temperature and safety. I love mine - they're solid as a rock.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

was easy / hard to program, etc.

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They're as easy as it gets to program with only four buttons to use. Beyond the initial programming, you don't need to really do anything. The great display on the front is more important than having more buttons to make programming a smidge easier.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

I'd also love to hear where you got yours and how much they typically run for (I've seen the recommended price on spyder, but am curious if a cheaper source is out there).

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Most people get theirs directly from Spyder Robotics. I've ordered two (one of the old style Humidistat only units and one Herpstat 2). Pricing seems to be pretty much spot on between all of the vendors, so I ordered directly from the source. Plus, their customer service is great if ever any issues should arise.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Also if anyone recommends another thermostat with similar capabilities, that would be great too.

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Yes, there are units available with similar capabilities - the most notable from Vivarium Electronics. However, as has been discussed ad nauseum in a couple of threads found using the search function, most people prefer the Spyder Robotics units in terms of both safety and reliability.

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Thanks again for your help!
Artgecko

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You're welcome!

Have One Works like Charm Definitely one worth purchase...

I have a Herp 2 and love it. We are currently using it for a rack and an incubator with no problems. As soon as the babies hatch and shed, it will be moved to the hatchling rack. I really need another and will probably get one pretty soon.

What Eric Alan said is spot on.

The last point there, and I could be wrong, is the most important.

When a Herpstat fails, something about the way it's wired means it always fails in the OFF position. Other thermostats fail in the ON position. This pretty much eliminates the need for a failsafe secondary tstat. Perhaps the other manufacturers are doing the same now, but this was the case a while back and was pivotal in my own decision after reading threads about the horror of thermostats failing in the ON position.

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Originally Posted by MrLang

What Eric Alan said is spot on.

The last point there, and I could be wrong, is the most important.

When a Herpstat fails, something about the way it's wired means it always fails in the OFF position. Other thermostats fail in the ON position. This pretty much eliminates the need for a failsafe secondary tstat. Perhaps the other manufacturers are doing the same now, but this was the case a while back and was pivotal in my own decision after reading threads about the horror of thermostats failing in the ON position.

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They have a relay (electronically operated switch) that in the case of a failure physically cuts power to the outputs. According to the RBI website the VE line of thermostat now have this too, but I'm not sure exactly how their software deals with it.

At the end of the day the Herpstat 2 and the VE-300 x2 cost the same, but the Herpstat 2 is a much better/versatile unit.

Thanks for the info and replies!
Guess I'll be going with the herpstat.. I'll probably wait until my birthday (nothing makes a better gift than a new t-stat, right?) and just monitor the rheostats like a hawk until then.

One other question for you guys about the herpstat 2, I know it comes with 2 sensor probes, but how long are their cords and how long is the outlet cord (the one to plug the thermostat into the power source)?

Thanks so much again for taking the time to answer my questions! Hopefully my snakes will be much happier with a very consistant temperature... And I'll be happier not having to monitor their temps 24/7 :D

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Originally Posted by artgecko

Thanks for the info and replies!
Guess I'll be going with the herpstat.. I'll probably wait until my birthday (nothing makes a better gift than a new t-stat, right?) and just monitor the rheostats like a hawk until then.

One other question for you guys about the herpstat 2, I know it comes with 2 sensor probes, but how long are their cords and how long is the outlet cord (the one to plug the thermostat into the power source)?

Thanks so much again for taking the time to answer my questions! Hopefully my snakes will be much happier with a very consistant temperature... And I'll be happier not having to monitor their temps 24/7 :D

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They come with 12 foot probes and a 6 foot AC cord. ( The AC cord is a standard computer type power cord, and can be replaced with a longer or shorter one if needed.

I have a herpstat 2 and a VE-200. I'll let you know when i notice a difference... ;)