Why is this digital thermostat so cheap?

I would still go for the Hydrofarm now. It will be much better than a dimmer.
Then start saving your pennies for an upgrade. You could get a Johnson/Ranco, but they're really not that much different unless you need to control high wattage (which you don't), so the next step up is a proportional. Then you'll have the Hydrofarm as an extra, it's always good to have extra supplies around.

I'm sure someone will jump on in defense of Johnson/Ranco. Every thermostat thread seems to open that can of worms.

OP is your dimmer working out? If it is LGray23 makes a good point but personally I'd go farther and say wait to buy one with better accuracy. (herpstat, helix, ve, ecozone) The base model is just over $100 so in a few months you could likely manage to save that up.

If your dimmer needs fiddling all the time I'd buy the hydrofarm just plan your temps carefully and maybe at some later point buy something more accurate.

I can't speak to reliability of any of them, not enough personal experience.

Also if you're concerned about the probe accuracy, coupled with the fact that it's non-proportional: will result in temperature fluctuations. Add a slightly thicker substrate, it will even out the fluctuations. More thermal mass = more temperature stability.

I have two, they work fine. Definitely recommended. As someone already said, you need to be able to monitor the temps inside the enclosure.

As someone else has already stated, the specs are the same between this and the "more accurate" ones. When/if you get more snakes or employment you can always get the "more accurate" thermostats.

:taz:

I'm stupid--what does proportional mean? :/

Hi,

Easiest way to think of it is a proportional is like a volume control and an on/off or pulse thermostat is more like a mute button.


dr del

Proportional allows just enough power to keep the temp where you need it, whereas the on/off ones go full blast then shut off when it reaches the degree you have it set to.

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Originally Posted by shelliebear

I'm stupid--what does proportional mean? :/

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LOL... Not a stupid question at all. A proportional thermostat adjusts the electric current to the heat source, increasing or decreasing the flow to stay at the set temp. And on/off thermostat will turn on until the desired temp is reached, then will shut off until the lower threshhold is reached, then it will turn back on to reach the set temp again...

i just got a surprise fedex looked outside and bam there sat a box and i opened it and there was another thermostat from hydrofarm i just recieved one from them at the beginning of the week and it works great i sent them a messege saying thank you for the fast reply and i guess she sent me another for my hassels with the first 1 now i have to build another rack so i can put it to work.:D

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Originally Posted by LGray23

from what I understand. I don't see much of a point of spending the $30 on the hydrofarm, which is okay as far as cheap thermostats go, when you have a dimmer. You could keep the dimmer for another 6 months, save your $30, save up money however you do (someone mentioned you don't have a job, but maybe help your parents out around the house?) and for $60-$80 you can get a thermostat that will last you years. Once the probe on the hydrofarm goes, you have to replace the whole thing, then that's another $30 for another one. I've only had mine for about 2 months and I don't know the life span of the probe, so I can't help you there.

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Not the problem. I'm a student, and am not to get a job until I finish school. I could have one, but I shouldn't, see? But at the same time, this year my family is building a house, and money is tight. My dad was an angel and bought Axel and his set-up for me. Some may say, "Why on earth would you take on the expense of an animal at that point??" I bought Axel to take my mind of stress of life, and to be a hobby. I'm caring for him to the best of my ability, and although the dimmer is okay right this moment, I AM having to fiddle with it constantly, as my home (a drafty/baking hot trailer) right now isn't even SLIGHTLY temp controlled. I am at the mercy of mother nature, and she isn't being very merciful. I'm terrified to leave the house during the day, because often when I get home (or wake up in the morning for that matter...) My temps have wildly fluxuated. I'm planning on being out of town part of next month and part of august, and I just can't take him with me. Someday I want to get into some hobby breeding and fun stuff like that, and at that point, I'll buy one of the more reliable thermostats to control a rack. But as for Axel, I need something that will keep his uth nice and stable for the time being. I just can't plunk down 60-120 bucks right now (or anytime terribly soon), and that's that. lol.