Thermostat questions

I was thinking about getting a thermostat to control the heat on my tanks, I have 3 glass tanks.

Is there a thermostat out there that will control all three tanks? If so can you tell me brand and model...

If I need to get seperate thermostats for each tank what are some very cheap cost thermostats? Are those zoo med rept temp 500r things any good? They dont have a probe to bury and that concearns me...

Hi there,

I would recommend a Ranco. Reliable, and reasonably priced. If you need the heat element on each tank the same temperature, just plug all three into the power strip and put the probe on one of the tanks.

For Ranco click here

I like the Helix its easy and works great. Cost about 100 and change.:rofl:

Does this look like a decent one?

http://www.bigappleherp.com/core/med...3465ebf5f3c17c


COMPLETELY REDESIGNED FROM THE GROUND UP, the BAH-1000SC Thermostat Now Utilizes Electronic IC Smart Chip Technology.

The BAH-1000SC thermostat's new design is so technologically advanced that it is now considered one of the most accurate and reliable thermostats available anywhere in the pet industry. Previous to this model, this level of powerful technology could only be found on extremely expensive thermostats. In redesigning the BAH-1000SC Thermostat we kept strict adherence to what we refer to as the "SAFE" principles...

Click Expand Description for more info on the great features of our new BAH-1000SC Thermostat with IC Smart Chip Technology...

SIMPLICITY - The BAH-1000SC is incredibly easy-to-use... there is absolutely no wiring necessary. Simply plug one to three heating device's (up to 800 watts combined) into the conveniently located triple socket receptacle and set the temperature from 60F to 108F or from 16C to 42C on the easy-to-read dial. Dual LED displays show power on and power output.

ACCURACY - Top-of-the-line electronic IC Smart Chip architecture is incorporated into the BAH-1000SC thermostat making it one of the most accurate thermostats found anywhere. We redesigned the unit to run at the ideal differential, providing both incredible temperature consistency and accuracy while maintaining little wear and tear on the heating device. A highly precise probe on a generously long 6 foot cord allows for exactness of temperatures throughout the basking site or heat mat surface.

FAIL SAFE - We at Big Apple Pet Supply believe this to be one of the most important features in our design of the new BAH-1000SC thermostat. The system permanently maintains a special overload safety circuit which automatically activates in the case of a unit malfunction. This unique feature greatly reduces the chance of accidental overheating amongst other heating hazards. Note: This safety feature could be compromised in the event of plugging in more than the maximum of 800 watts or in the event of an electrical power surge so always use a surge protector.

EFFICIENCY -The BAH-1000SC can thermostatically control one heating device or multiple heating devices up to 800 watts combined.

Should I Use A Thermostat? It Should Not Be A Question. Simply put, a thermostat is the choice method of controlling the ambient air temperature and/or basking site of your reptile’s enclosure. When using a ceramic heat emitter,heat mat, heat tape or radiant heat panel a thermostat becomes even more imperative.

You’ll sleep soundly knowing that your reptile’s heating is controlled by the new BAH-1000SC's top-of-the-line IC Smart Chip Technology as well as being protected by the special safety circuit.

No, that thing is the biggest piece of junk, except for the ALife(which looks exactly like that). Zoomed ReptiTemp is the next rung up in crappiness. These are all ANALOG thermostats and are much more likely to break down, which entails possibly frying your snakes, melting tubs, setting the house on fire, etc.

Spend the extra $35-$40

Get a DIGITAL thermostat. Something like Johnson Controls, Ranco, Herpstat or Helix. These will provide excellent safety features(such as shutting off if temps go too high, sounding an alarm) and you won't have to worry about adjusting temperatures daily if your room temp fluctuates. They take care of it.

When I had only ONE snake, I bought a Herpstat II. Now I have around 38 and have 2 Johnson Controls, a Helix, a Herpstat and a Herpstat II. They all work great and they give me the peace of mind to know my snakes are safe and being taken care of.

If you have the money, go with a Herpstat(Spider Robotics). If you can't quite afford $110 but have $75-80 to spare, get the Johnson or Ranco(Reptile Basics.com).
Hmm, since you have three tanks the Johnson is your best cheaper bet since the ZooMed 500R only runs two. Trust us, spend the money and get a good one now so you won't have to worry.

And geez, Becky, I wish I had enough money for ONE Herpstat, let alone all the great stats you have. Right now I have one Johnson, one Ranco and five ZooMeds! :D

The reason I favor the johnson controls model is because my Dad has worked for them for 25 years... Im sure he can get me one of those thermostats for next to nothing and help me wire it up....

Thx all for the info....

Lucky! :)

Good luck getting one and setting everything up well. Keep us updated.