Ever used this thermostat?

ZooMed Repti Temp 500 R

I found it at petsmart the other day and wanted to know if anyone here has used it or knows if it is reliable.

Thanks,
Rusty

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Originally Posted by Rusty

or knows if it is reliable.

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It is definitely not.

-adam

What problems have you had with it?

These are what I am using until we upgrade in the future to Helix or Herpstats:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...at-with-probe/

They are at least as accurate as my IR temp gun! On/Off only, proportional is better but more $$'s

I would have linked to MG Reptiles, but I don't see them listed on his site, I'm sure if you give MG a call they will have something similar in the same price range.

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Originally Posted by Rusty

What problems have you had with it?

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The inability to hold a consistent temperature ... I gave up testing them at that point.

-adam

I still use one of these for my Hog Island Boa. Havent gotten around to replacing it. It is actually pretty good for me. Keeps the hot spot at 91-94. Its definitely not even on the same playing field as a Helix, Herpstat (proportionals) or Johnson, Ranco (on/off)

Those type of thermostats have no digital output for the temperature. Basically you have a dial...so you are playing a game of guess what temp it is set at all the time.

Spend a few extra bucks and get a Ranco ;)

You dont like playing the guessing game!? :)

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Originally Posted by jglass38

You dont like playing the guessing game!? :)

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Not at all. I consider the extra $30-40 for a Ranco well worth it just for the digital temp output.

The guessing game is one of the reasons they are blamed for not holding temps well. You have to set it up at a point.....let the enclosure sit for a while to get constant temp....adjust the thermostat.....let the enclosure sit....adjust the thermostat....let the enclosure sit....adjust the thermostat...let the enclosure sit....then after spending half of the day trying to get the right temp, your temperture is only as good as the thermometer that you were using to measure it.

Sure is alot of work to save a few bucks IMO.

I don't see what's wrong with it. I use one and it keeps the temp just fine. You don't need to play the guessing game so much- only when you want to change the temps in the cage. Just set it up, adjust to till you get the right readings, then leave it that way.