Thermostat Options

I've been using Hydrofarms for my corns who are much more tolerant of varying temps than balls seem to be. Now that I've got a ball, I have her currently on a Hydrofarm (separate from my corn rack) and though it's doing the job, I'm looking at investing in a higher end thermostat since I'm going to be getting more balls in the next year or so. I've been looking at a number of options and though I'm leaning towards the Herpstat 1, I'd also like opinions/experience with others. The Vivarium Electronics variety looks nice though I'd prefer a dimming style if possible. These will be used in melamine racks with 3" and 11" flexwatt (obviously 1 thermostat per rack/size).

Herpstats are the way to go, You get the most thermostat/features for your money with them. The Herpstat 2 & 4 are cost effective ways to have multiple thermostats

I have a few Herpstat 4's and love them, they are extremely accurate and the interface/menu system is easy to use.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMG_0342.jpg

I also love Herpstats, and the 4s are also my favorites.

I have a VE-200 and havent had any problems with it. Id highly reccomend it, but Herpstats are equally as nice. Plus you can get herpstats with a blue led background so thats a plus lol. I find the VE's green one kinda bland :/

I use the Vivarium Electronics and I have to say I love them. They are super easy to use and are very accurate. I also like how they are stackable. The VE200 and 300 are also proportional and mine are not only accurate, they are exceptionally consistant.

The only downside I have found is that you'd need one for each rack - or use a VE300-x2 for two racks (that one's dual zone). But if you have more than 2 racks, you could get the Herpstat 4 and operate all 4 racks on one t-stat which would be more economical in the long run. But as far as the VE t-stats go, they are a super product and I think you'd be quite happy with one... :gj:

We have a herpstat intro, it is awesome.

We are currently using the Herpstat 4 and absolutely love it! Since it sounds like you are planning on more than 1 rack I would highly recommend the Herpstat 2 if you are just planning on 2 racks or if you plan on having more than definitely go with the 4.

Thank you all for your info and recommendations on this. In about 1.5-2 years, I'm going to need a bp hatchling rack, bp adult rack, and then I already have 3 racks for my corns. Granted, the corns don't need anything more than what they have, but it wouldn't be bad to have the 4 in case I go a little nuts with balls. Since I'm having trouble keeping my hands off my new girl, that's a good possibility. If nothing else, one probe can also run a large incubator since I incubate the corn eggs on the top shelf because that works. Ball eggs are going to need a bit more regulated temp from what I've been seeing.

In that case, I'd recommend the Herpstat 4. Just be prepared to shell out about $339 +/-. But that's still cheaper than 3 VE300's, lol... Considering what you want to run on it though, it'd be well worth the investment. :gj:

I love the herpstats I have 3 pros and one 4, and some others. There are others to look at ecozone (http://ecozonevivarium.com/products-...ntrollers.aspx) and digital aquatics herpkeeper (http://www.digitalaquatics.com/news/announcingHK1)

The interesting part of both is the ability to remote reporting and alerts. If I was planning of running an incubator of any size this is one heck of a selling point. Just to toss out some of the other options.

I would go with the VE series from Reptile basics I have 2 and love them. THey just came out with a VE300-2 wich will control 2 heaters so it would be cheaper for 2 of them than one Herpstat. I love my Ve serries and Rich has such great customer service which in this day and age seems to be worth a lot more than a name :D

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I love the herpstats I have 3 pros and one 4, and some others. There are others to look at ecozone (http://ecozonevivarium.com/products-...ntrollers.aspx) and digital aquatics herpkeeper (http://www.digitalaquatics.com/news/announcingHK1)

The interesting part of both is the ability to remote reporting and alerts. If I was planning of running an incubator of any size this is one heck of a selling point. Just to toss out some of the other options.

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I have to admit I like the options on those with the ability to remotely monitor them from the internet. Just not sure if that's the ideal way to go with me being a control freak (was up at 5 am this morning just to check on Ceti's temps since I'm using a Hydrofarm and don't completely trust it). I'll definitely dig a little further into those two though before choosing one.

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Originally Posted by RestlessRobie

I would go with the VE series from Reptile basics I have 2 and love them. THey just came out with a VE300-2 wich will control 2 heaters so it would be cheaper for 2 of them than one Herpstat. I love my Ve serries and Rich has such great customer service which in this day and age seems to be worth a lot more than a name :D

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I've heard about the customer service and that is a huge selling point for VE but to get 2 of the VE300-2's is about $70 more than a Herpstat 4. :/

I have actually found dion at herpstat to have better service. I asked a question to Rich and waited 6 months and multiple emails for an answer. I love my herpstats but the features of the ecozone are tempting but if you price the 4 controller set up is more than a herpstat 4.

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I have actually found dion at herpstat to have better service. I asked a question to Rich and waited 6 months and multiple emails for an answer. I love my herpstats but the features of the ecozone are tempting but if you price the 4 controller set up is more than a herpstat 4.

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x2

I'm a big fan of Rich over at Reptile Basics, but Dion (owner of Spyder Robotics) is just as great when it comes to customer service.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Herpstats are the way to go, You get the most thermostat/features for your money with them. The Herpstat 2 & 4 are cost effective ways to have multiple thermostats

I have a few Herpstat 4's and love them, they are extremely accurate and the interface/menu system is easy to use.

http://i1186.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMG_0342.jpg

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I have one too! I really like my Herpstat so far. I bought the Herpstat Pro..... So I can run up to four different enclosures independently.

I've used Herpstats in the past, and currently use a VE 200. Honestly, I don't think you can go too far wrong either way. They both function well and both have their selling points. It really comes down to the features you need and the price you want to pay.

True slim,
I think you can say all the proportional units designed for reptiles are perfectly fine solid units. It comes down to price availability and features the rest is opinion.