Better idea? Herpstat II vs. Herpstat w/Rheo

So i just finished building my rack and im deciding on a thermostat. My snake rooms ambient temps hang around 70 so i want to have both warm and cool side strips of flexwatt. Would it be a better idea to bite the bullet and get the herpstat II or would a herpstat + rheostat do well in this situation?

Also the herpstat website says that it has a failsafe shutoff switch that does now allow sensor failure induced problems. I was planning on backing it up with a ranco but this feature seems like i wouldn't need to. Should I still take the precaution?

Yes, back it up with a Ranco!! I had the probe be knocked loose, which it won't correct for, and it caused temps to spike up to 116º!!

And I would try just heating the warm side at first. You may be able to get the ambient temps in the cage warm enough by just heating the warm side, depending on how well the rack is insulated. If not, then you can always go back and add heat, but if you can it would save you some $$$.

if your going to be running two sets of flexwatt at two different temps you'll need two probes so the herpstat II would be a good choice.i have two herpstats II's and am pleased with there performance.they have a hi and low temp alarm so a backup would seem like overkill,also the unit is designed to shut down in case of failure.

have you considered a oil filled electric heater in your room to raise temps 5-10 degrees? then cool side flexwatt would not be necessary and you could use the extra wattage for other racks/enclosures,just a thought.have fun!

If you built the rack correctly and use the correct size flex watt you will only need one strip even at a room temp of 70 degrees. Hopefully you enclosed it on 3 of the 4 sides. I did that and my room is at 70 degrees in the winter and I had to drill additional holes in the front to get the front temps down.

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Originally Posted by Gloryhound

If you built the rack correctly and use the correct size flex watt you will only need one strip even at a room temp of 70 degrees. Hopefully you enclosed it on 3 of the 4 sides. I did that and my room is at 70 degrees in the winter and I had to drill additional holes in the front to get the front temps down.

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Well that seals it. I'll just get a herpstat and add something down the road if needed. My rack is indeed enclosed on 3 sides but i haven't decided on three or four inch flexwatt. I am using 32qt sterilite tubs in a melamine rack. Anyone have any suggestions? Also quick note, anyone know where i can get dividers for these tubs?

I used 11" and positioned it so part of it is exposed in the back. It gives me a good place to attach a probe that will not be hit by the tub going in and out. Only about 8" of it is actually under the tub.