which t-stat?

I am going to be upgrading to AP T3 cages by the end of summer and would like to know which t-stats people are having the best luck with. i will eventually get 2 T3s which will be in the same location. will i need 1 or 2 t-stats? I saw on ap.com that they recommend using a proportional tstat...is there a reason for this? is it really necessary?

any input is greatly appreciated

I personally think proporational is the way to go on racks and cages. There are two main proportional thermostats out there: Helix and Herpstat. I have three Herpstats (Two regular and one Herpstat II) and have never had any problems with them. I hear equally good things about Helix. My advice would be to check the options and price and make a decision from there.

I used to have two T3 cages where I used a JC thermostat, which is the on/off type tstat. The temps were very stable (2-3 degree variance) and I was happy with how it worked.

I have since moved to an AP rack system, one of the racks uses the heat cable which I control with a Herpstat proportional thermostat.

I haven't used a helix thermostat, I'd be interested to see how it works with the heat cable. Just considering my options, the herpstat has one feature that I could see as a possible advantage over using a helix to control heat cable. The heat cable requires more "juice" than flexwatt heat tape does, and the herpstat enables you to adjust the power output to match the efficiency of the heat source you are using. I'm not sure the helix has this same feature.

The herpstats I use have worked perfectly. The next thermostat I buy will be a helix, just so I can make a final decision for myself between the two products.

Helix is used exclusively by large breeders such as NERD, VPI, RDR, etc. That's got to mean something. ;)

I have had flawless success with my Helix units. I was turned on to them by Adam at 8ball. My old time pal Bob Clark uses Helix aswell. Good luck with you decision. I purchased mine from www.beanfarm.com and have always has perfect service!

I'm getting rid of my thermostats and going to 55 gallon drums with fire inside ... the snakes can wear those little knit gloves with the finger tips cut off and everyone that comes to the shop can drink from bottles wrapped in brown paper bags.

Less trouble that way. :D:D:D

-adam

Go for the plastic drums. Not only do they put off great heat by a pleasant odor aswell :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by cueball

Go for the plastic drums. Not only do they put off great heat by a pleasant odor aswell :rolleyes:

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Great, now I'm going to get yelled at for advocating metal drums over plastic!!! ... LMAO! ... I'm just pure EVIL I tell ya. :twisted:

-adam

We'll let that one go Adam, we all know you're a little disgruntled this week, with all your schemes and plotting!

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Originally Posted by elevatethis

We'll let that one go Adam, we all know you're a little disgruntled this week, with all your schemes and plotting!

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Just plotting what day we're going to clean next week with 4th of July on Tuesday and all .... maybe I'll make Big Brad come in on Tuesday with a sparkler in his teeth while he cleans??? :D:D:D

-adam

You're on a roll man.........starting the 4th of july weeked a little early? :beer: