Why is this digital thermostat so cheap?

Is it any good? Anyone used it before? It seems to be MADE for the job...And the digital display reassures me a little better than the reptitherm 500. I'm needing to buy a thermostat, (right now I'm using a light dimmer...and it's just not a good long-term choice) but $30 is pretty much my budget.

Experience? ideas? wanna see yourself type?

What make and model?

You are right to upgrade to a thermostat.

If $30 is your budget, you may want to look at the Hydro Farm instead. You can get it on Amazon. Keep in mind, it is non-proportional.

ooh dude...I'm such an idiot...guess you need a LINK! haha.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...&pf_rd_i=typ01

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Originally Posted by LizardPants

You are right to upgrade to a thermostat.

If $30 is your budget, you may want to look at the Hydro Farm instead. You can get it on Amazon. Keep in mind, it is non-proportional.

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Yeah...haha...that's actually what it is. xD

I know a couple people on here use it. Just remember that its non-proportional. Luck:)

There's actually quite a few threads on that thermostat here on the forum. Use the search bar and read through them. There have been some good experiences with it, but I don't believe it's a proportional thermostat. So obviously it isn't as good as the more expensive models, but is a great temporary thermostat.

Kymberli, you posted exactly what I was about to.

Probably worth the money. I keep meaning to pick one up for emergencies or back up. Just haven't yet.

lol, I wish I could afford a proportional one... But it's just not going to happen, at least not until I have more than a couple snakes. (and am employed...) Seems like a really nice unit for the job it does, and most of the reviews are very good. Just wanted to get opinions from here before I bought it. :)

i bought one off of amazon.com they sent it i couldnt get it to set the temp right so i called the main office and they mailed me another one no problems out of it if thats all you can afford then its a great deal.:gj:

Sigh...guess I should have done that. Sorry! But thanks for the input.

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Originally Posted by mdfreak2

i bought one off of amazon.com they sent it i couldnt get it to set the temp right so i called the main office and they mailed me another one no problems out of it if thats all you can afford then its a great deal.:gj:

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I like it when they are willing to help. Makes you feel better about the product too.

I haven't used them before. I'm going to try the one that Reptile Basics is pushing. I think with what you have for spending, though, than thats your thermostat.

I have one going. It took a little tinkering. But it works pretty well. For 30$ shipped I really can't complain.

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Originally Posted by Cendalla

I like it when they are willing to help. Makes you feel better about the product too.

I haven't used them before. I'm going to try the one that Reptile Basics is pushing. I think with what you have for spending, though, than thats your thermostat.

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yea they had it here it like 2 days too so that was great i set it at 89 and it keeps it right about 87-88 so it works great. i would recommend if thats all the money u can afford at the time.:D

I have a Herpstat ND, a Herpstat, and the Hydrofarm. Also, years ago had the Big Apple Herp proportional (the big white one).

I LOVE my Herpstats, but ended up picking up a Hydrofarm as a temporary measure because of waiting on a slow to ship vendor, and where I live they are sold locally. That said, I have no complaints with the Hydrofarm, it is what it is.

Anya, I use that but I only recommend it for temporary use. I'd save the money and get a Ranco or Johnson for 50 dollars more...

I've heard good enough things about the Hydrofarm that I'm thinking about picking one up to replace my 500R, not that I've had any issues with that one, but the digital display would be nice to have. If your budget is around $30, I'd say that looks like the best bang for the buck. I'd go for it...

I understand that Johnson and Ranco may be better, but when the OP has clearly stated that $30 is about her max budget right now, I can't say that telling her to save an extra $50 or $60 (essentially TRIPLING her stated budget when she's explained that she doesn't have a job right now) is very constructive or helpful...

I have one I use on my Cal King and it works very well, haven't had a problem with it at all. You should also get a infared thermometer so you can get a good surface temperature. Here's a link for one. http://www.amazon.com/Temperature-In...5919018&sr=8-2

I am going to chime in I have never used one but checked the specs The ranco and johnson as well as the hydrofarm have the same specs on the probe. +/- 1ºC (about 2ºF) What that means is that when you set your temps just keep in mind it could be higher or cooler by 2ºF they also shift 1 degree from the set point so think 3ºF up or down. Just plan your temps to still be with in a 'safe' range. Ie 91ºF (88-94ºF)

I should have been more clear about what I meant. At the moment you have a dimmer, which is great too if you have the time to check the temps multiple times a day. $30 is your budget right now 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.

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.

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Originally Posted by Anya

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, and that's that. lol.

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Well that makes total sense. In your situation I don't see why the hydrofarm wouldn't be okay until you are able to get a better one, which could be a while away. :)

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Originally Posted by LGray23

Well that makes total sense. In your situation I don't see why the hydrofarm wouldn't be okay until you are able to get a better one, which could be a while away. :)

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Haha, thank you for understanding. :oops:

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Originally Posted by Anya

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.

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then thats the best way to go i have a 4 tub rack running off of it right now and it keeps everybody just right so thats the way i would go until you can buy a more expensive setup thats what im planning on doing but until then they work great.

It sound like the hydrofarm is a perfect option just watch the temps that is all, you are doing that already now you just need to check them once. If you find the temps are spiking higher than wanted and them lower (4-6º) try moving the uth to a sheet of glass (if you are using a tub) the mass weight of the glass will drop the highs and raise the lows. If you are using a tank it isn't likely to be a problem.

I use a Herpstat and 2 Hydrofarms.

Both work amazing. the Hydrofarms, I know they will always be 88 - 90 (for my Macklots) and 91 - 93 for my leopard gecko

And I NEVER worry about those temps. they are always the same.

It would be alot better than a light dimmer! It would hold the temp no matter what happens to the room temp!

Here is the difference between the Hydrofarm, Ranco, and Johnson thermostats.
The Hydrofarm is designed for heat mats used in horticulture applications, which are comparable in wattage and temperatures, to the Under Tank Heaters used in reptile applications.
The Ranco and Johnson thermostats are designed for commercial heating and air-conditioning applications, which is why they have such a high power handling capability, and are more expensive. It just so happens that they are easily adapted to run reptile heating sources, and space heaters, if you have a dedicated reptile room.

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I bought Axel to take my mind of stress of life, and to be a hobby

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i could not have said it better myself, i too am in the same boat, i had a BP when i was a kid, and i bought another one now for the very same reasons as you.

Not to hijack your thread, but kind of the same question, right now im using a 15 gallon tall tank with the smallest UTH on a new pastel i just purchased, this tank will go to my younger normal BP, which is on a 10 gallon. Anyways, next expo is in july, which i plan to go and purchase a new tank and of course a bigger UTH, more aspen bedding and other supplies, and at the same time i want to purchase a thermo to go with the bigger UTH, as opposed to the dimmer i have hooked up now.

My budget is between 70-80, maybe a 100, whats the best for that price range? (under 100)

i looked at thermo's on ebay but im completley lost on what i should be looking for, i keep getting alot of stuff that looks like it should be hooked up to a boiler for a school cafeteria or something.. any links to the ones you guys are using?

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Originally Posted by FrankieCarbone

My budget is between 70-80, maybe a 100, whats the best for that price range? (under 100)

i looked at thermo's on ebay but im completley lost on what i should be looking for, i keep getting alot of stuff that looks like it should be hooked up to a boiler for a school cafeteria or something.. any links to the ones you guys are using?

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Here are some links you can use:

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

http://www.reptilebasics.com/thermostats

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...1529683&sr=1-7

http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiT...5950692&sr=1-1

Herpstat Proportional Thermostat

seems to be right up my ally, any place where i can find this one for 100 or under shipped?

I THINK that the herpstat is the lowest at 109 plus shipping at the moment. Unless you can find one used somewhere.

http://www.spyderrobotics.com/store/...44bc90cd97edb2

how do you install those things, i mean i think i saw a picture of one once, and it was just like come single cables sticking out or something, is it just the same as setting up a dimmer? as in plug the uth cord into the dimmer adapter and plus in the dimmer cord? or is it more complex, and im referring to specifically the herpstat which is going to be the one i get...

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Originally Posted by FrankieCarbone

i could not have said it better myself, i too am in the same boat, i had a BP when i was a kid, and i bought another one now for the very same reasons as you.

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:)
Axel has been a lifesaver...I adore every bit of effort it takes to make him comfortable. I have dogs and cats...but it's just not quite the same. I get a feeling completely different from taking care of him. I never thought a snake would be the perfect pet...:P

Pffft, don't worry about hijacking. Hijack all you like! :P

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I adore every bit of effort it takes to make him comfortable. I have dogs and cats...but it's just not quite the same. I get a feeling completely different from taking care of him. I never thought a snake would be the perfect pet...

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wow, its like we are the same person, it actually feels GOOD when i buy something new for him to make him more comfortable, even the smallest thing, like when i found out its a good idea to get some plexiglass at home depot to cover 3/4 of the tank, and the dimmer deal, i remember after i found out about that, the next day waking up early and running to the shower and get in the car and drive to home depot to buy this stuff, i was so anxious i couldt wait to get it. Or when i ordered my temp gun and digital acu rite thermo/hygro, i was checking the tracking number 2 days later (even though the ship date was 4 days) and when i got the packaged i was like a little kid in toys r us, it felt so good putting up it up and checking temps! its the best feeling when i get something thats for the best for him, if right now somebody told me if i bought a 200 dollar gold chain and placed it in the middle of the tank and that would make the snake feed better, and be less stressed out, i would;t be able to sleep tonight waiting for tommorow to come and going to chinatown to buy that chain!

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Originally Posted by FrankieCarbone

if right now somebody told me if i bought a 200 dollar gold chain and placed it in the middle of the tank and that would make the snake feed better, and be less stressed out, i would;t be able to sleep tonight waiting for tommorow to come and going to chinatown to buy that chain!

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:P:P:P :rofl:

ahaha, something like that, yeah! Right now my latest excitement is getting myself to a micheals to pick up some fake plants...I hadn't even though of that before today! I just don't think I've even been so eager to please...anything, really! lol.

I love feeding time. It's always so exciting to feed him and watch him eat. I only wish I could do it more often! but that's always my favorite day of the week, like some special 'event' I look forward to.

I'm fairly certain everyone in my life thinks I've gone completely insane. :rofl::rofl::rofl:

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Originally Posted by FrankieCarbone

how do you install those things, i mean i think i saw a picture of one once, and it was just like come single cables sticking out or something, is it just the same as setting up a dimmer? as in plug the uth cord into the dimmer adapter and plus in the dimmer cord? or is it more complex, and im referring to specifically the herpstat which is going to be the one i get...

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Originally Posted by Anya

:P:P:P :rofl:

ahaha, something like that, yeah! Right now my latest excitement is getting myself to a micheals to pick up some fake plants...I hadn't even though of that before today!

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Hooking up a thermostat is simple. You attach the thermostat probe to the bottom of the enclosure, attach the UTH over the probe, plug the UTH into the thermostat, and plug the thermostat into the wall. Then follow the directions on programming your thermostat.
When taping the probe to the bottom of the enclosure, don't put the tape directly on the probe itself, put it on the lead (wire). Here is the link to a thread I made on setting up a tub, but the UTH and thermostat probe are mounted the same:

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...Basics...*DUW*

When you mount the probe to the bottom of your enclosure, it will make the tank wobbly, so it will need to be elevated for clearance. Some UTH's come with little rubber feet that stick onto the bottom of the tank. If your UTH didn't come with these then you will need to improvise. While you are at Michaels getting fake plants, take a walk over to the wood working section. They will have a variety of little wooden discs and shapes that will make good risers. You can attach them with hot glue or some of those double sided sticky pads will work also. Or you can even use four plastic bottle caps. What ever you decide to use only needs to raise the tank up about 3/8 to 1/2 inch.

The Herpstats are prewired so just hook up your UTH to it and mount the probe. I prefer having the probe in the tank mounted to the floor over the area where the UTH is. Secure the probe down with some clear packing tape. Then you can put newspaper or substrate over the top. Putting it underneath the UTH on the outside means ambient airflow can cool it off and you don't get a good idea what the actual temperature is in the enclosure. So for me.. probe in the enclosure, UTH under the enclosure. Having some risers under the enclosure is a good idea as it helps prevent the heat element from overheating and failure.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

spyderrobotics yes, but then again having it in the enclosure and u have the risk of the snake moving it around or posibly even detaching it, so im gonna stick with under the enclosure..

Vypyrz

i noticed you place your UTH over the probe on the bottem, and used tape to tape the corners down. Why now peel the paper off and place the UTH over the probe with the sticky side, and just have it stick around the probe?

Anya,

im off to michaels in a few!

Dion has a solid point that inside does have better performance especially in unstable room temps!. I don't like to use tape inside so I hot glued mine to the floor of the enclosure. I torture tested the probe and found that I can't lift it or shift it off the floor, it is unlikely a Royal Python could ever do so (a retic maybe...) The other concern is poop on the probe will generate a false return the unit. I use a back up on off (great use of a hydrofarm) with its probe on the uth and set high so if this does occur the herpstat will power down before over heating occurs.

I have never had that happen and I am not totally convinced of the need as the poop will be the same temp as the core temp of the snake and may not ever cool off to that point.

any pictures of it hot glued on? how long have u had it like this and had no issues?