How fancy of a Thermostat do I really need?

So I am going to be getting a 5 tub rack system. The "Five High" from Boaphile. I will be new to using Thermostats, I have always used dimmers, temp gauges and click clacks. So I am pretty lost. I have been reading and reading, and I think I might be missing some obvious info, or maybe over thinking this. So I am going to post my requirements and maybe somebody can let me know what they think I need? I have been using the search bar with no help. Thanks!

1) I need a Thermostat that can control a 5 tub rack. However all the tubs are the same size, all the snakes are the same size and species (BPs). So they will have all the same requirements, I do not need to control all cage temps separately.

2) I do want the option to lower the temps at night for cooling. I might breed in the future, I am unsure, but I want a thermostat that will work if I decide to go that route.

3) I have no desire to control humidity.

I am hoping to get the lowest model, or least expensive model for what I need. I am willing to spend whatever I need to fill those requirements though. At this point I do not even know what brand I want to go for because I do not know what to look for in the models so I am not sure how to compare products.

BP's don't need to be cooled for breeding.

I wouldn't go with a Hydrafarm for a rack, when they fail they run wide open. Hot melted plastic tubs - yuck! And that's the best that will happen, worst is you could also end up with a burned snake.

I would look at mid-range t-stats like a VE Hobbyist or VE100, Herpstat, Ranco, etc.

I use Herpstat and they make a great product. Any version the make should be able to run a 5 tub rack without issue. The Herpstat 1 Basic will do everything you need and it's only about $115 on Spyder Robotics site. Good luck.

Thanks for the info. I was reading about the Herpstat 1 Basic. I was not sure if it was capable of heating multiple tubs or not.

I use the herpstat one for that exact rack and it works fantastic! Couldn't tell you about the other herpstat models, I just know I love mine.

The VE200 would do the trick as well but you would have to buy the separate night drop module to get that feature, herpstats have them built in.

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I use a herpstat, they are great and very well made. You will have no problems with any herpstat model.

Ok stupid FNG question...in a rack system where does the probe go? In bottom tub or top? In or under on the UTH? Then plug all the UTH into a multi plug ?


Molly & Precioucess

I currently have a helix running my rack works fine for me, though will probably get a herpstat for next rack when I need to

Herpstat 1,2, or VE 200 minimum. 5 tubs = 5 snakes = ~$20 per snake for the most important part of their enclosure. It's a cost you should be able to afford if you have 5 pet snakes.

In terms of probe positioning, never inside the tub. Most racks give directions on where to place it, but generally it's near the middle of the rack on the heat tape in a spot that won't get bumped by the tub as you slide it in and out. Use foil tape or something heat resistant and check that it's secure in the right spot often.

Good luck!

Helix.


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