Thermostat for DIY XPVC rack?

I found some plans on the forum for XPVC rack it's really nice looking and look vary easy to build but for the question I have is what t-stat to use I'm new to the bp world but my collection is growing quickly and I'm housing everybody in glass tanks right now which I really don't like but it works but does anyone have any input on what t-stat I should use ive been doin a little research on them but I'm thinking about getting the Vivarium Electronics VE-200D from reptilebasics.com has anyone had any issues with these before any input is appreciated thanks

VE-200 is very good.
Personally, I'm recommending any of the Herpstat models by Spiderrobotics. Can't go wrong w/ a Herpstat.

I second the Herpstat. That all I run.

I hope the Herpstat is good, I just ordered 1 last night from Spyder Robotics, so I put my money where my mouth is.... Herpstat. :)

I would not suggest a ve to be used with out a failsafe. That places the price quite hight. So I would vote herpstat 1 as it calls into question if a failsafe is needed at all.

The ves are old tech. Offering none of the new advances available in the competition. The herpstat brings exceptional safety that no other brand can boast. Racks are prone to probe movement and the herpstat protects against this. The ecozone incorporates a web remote moderating system and herpkeeper advanced timing.

It is like a modern looking family car that only offers seat belts compared to a car with air bags and abs, traction...
Unless you like retro why? Personally I would choose a helix over the ve as it has a proven track record.


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Herspstat all the way

Looks like I'm goin with the herpstat, thanks for all the input but one more question can I use the herpstat one for the whole rack or do I need more than one of them or do I need the herpstat 2

It depends on what heat element your using. If using flex watt tapes, the 3", 4", 11" all have different wattages per foot. I believe with the herpstat 1 your max output watts is 700 and the herp 2 is 900. So if you lay out 9 feet of flex watt at 6watts per foot, you are only using (6*9)=54 watts. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong?

The cool thing about the herp 2 is you have 2 probes for two different temp settings if you like. I currently have #1 set at 90 for the bp's and #2 at 82 for corns. It also has hi/lo alarms if temps hit the setting you entered. Hope this helped.

Usually a single probe will run the whole rack. In some cases a single heat source is not enough to keep correct temps and if a room level heating is a poor choice the second probe of the HS2 can be used to rub 'back' heat for ambient temps. (side heat works better for this purpose) I generally say a rack in a room 68º or lower is likely to need something when you are in the 70s holding cool end temps mid 70s is easier.

I'm a little late to the party, but will throw in my 2 cents. I have no experience with the Vivarium products. I run herpstats, and love them! Spyder Robotics is great to deal with too. Good customer service and product arrives quick.

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Thanks alot for all the info ordering my herpstat 2 today and 3" flexwat I'll post some pics once I get everything put together and I'm sure I'll have some questions once I get everything together thanks again

The VE-200 is a great product

I have about 10 each VE-100s and 300s and they work great. The only problem I've had was getting one in with a slightly faulty button and after about a year of smashing it it finally stopped working. I called Rich @ Reptile Basics to ask him if there was anything to watch out for before I took the thing apart to try and fix it. The freaking guy offered to replace it instantly without hesitation, even after I told him I bought it a full year ago. Seriously? The dude knows customer service. :gj: