Thermostats

I have a rheostat for an UTH but even on the lowest setting the stupid UTH still gets too hot so I don't use it and just use overhead heat lamps with a thermostat. However its getting cold and I want to provide some belly heat so I'd like to control the UTH with a thermostat The problem is I want it to be on a different thermostat and I'd like not to spend another 50 bucks.

Does anyone know where I can get a generic thermostat with a temperature probe? I thought about wiring up regular line voltage thermostat, but it would have no probe so that's not going to work. I want to be able to measure the temp ontop of the glass just above the UTH.

The thermostats that are used for reptile applications come with probes to monitor the heat sources.

Here is one thermostat that quite a few people are using. It is currently about $27.00.

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

I recently purchased the Hydrofarm and it is working quite well. I am very happy with it for now, but may upgrade to a Vivarium Electronics one...maybe not for a while though. Definitely wouldn't use it for say, an incubator...but I'm far from that :)

I have tested hydrofarms quite extensively and basically have one bug complaint. The accuracy of the system is not good. Of the three units in the test they all were high of correct temps and one by about 3.5ºF. keep this in mind the temp needs to be checked with a reliable accurate hand thermometer the read out cannot be trusted.

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

The thermostats that are used for reptile applications come with probes to monitor the heat sources.

Here is one thermostat that quite a few people are using. It is currently about $27.00.

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

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Yeah I have one that I got from the pet store for 50 some bucks but it seems pretty cheapo quality . Was looking for something cheaper and/or better quality, figured there had to be some general purpose applications.

Seems like the one you posted has some good recommendations and its half the price. Thanks.

I'm sure half a dozen people will jump up and say "don't use the hydrofarm!!!" but as for my personal experience I say they are a great value. I agree you shouldn't trust the readout but then again I don't trust any of them. I think you should always temp gun your housing just for safety sake.

I like the hydrofarm and will continue to recommend them until I have a problem with it.

Besides the thermostats, what would someone recommend temp gun wise? I use a rheostat for the time being with 2 exo-terra digital thermometers. Looking for a temp gun for under 50 bucks if thats possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated by myself and Oaks!! :P

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Originally Posted by Spyderco1116

Besides the thermostats, what would someone recommend temp gun wise? I use a rheostat for the time being with 2 exo-terra digital thermometers. Looking for a temp gun for under 50 bucks if thats possible. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated by myself and Oaks!! :P

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If there is a Harbor Freight Tools store near you, check there, or their website. They have some fairly inexpensive temp guns. Just make sure that you check the specs, because they will still have some built-in margin of error.

You might also check places like Lowes, Home Depot, or auto parts stores, to see if they have any.

The idea of cheaper better is a hard one. Better,Faster, Cheaper. You can get any two but not all 3.

Anyway as long as you understand that the readout is not accurate and you understand the limitations of an off/on unit they are ok.

Amon Ra Reptiles FYI I have tested a fleet of herpstat probes (15 now) and all of them were well better than 0.6ºF incorrect. (I have a very accurate traceable scientific thermometer to test against) I have tested a couple of helix and an ecozone and found them all to be very good as well. Better in fact than most digital thermometers there are accurate units on the market if you want to pay for them.

OP IR guns are all about the same. The DS ratio is the big difference most only need 1:1-1:8 is likely all you need and check the accuracy range if it is worse than +/-2ºF (1ºC) I'd look at something else.

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Originally Posted by Vypyrz

If there is a Harbor Freight Tools store near you, check there, or their website. They have some fairly inexpensive temp guns. Just make sure that you check the specs, because they will still have some built-in margin of error.

You might also check places like Lowes, Home Depot, or auto parts stores, to see if they have any.

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Cool Thanks! BTW, how will I know what to look for on the specs to make sure it's a pretty decent product?

If the accuracy more than +/- 2ºF or 1ºC. Better than that is very rare but there are a handful that are 2ºC (+/- 4ºF) to my mind the chance that it could read 4 degrees high is unacceptable.