Best Thermostat for Incubator?

Hey guys :) I've been preparing for next season and have an incubator all set up but I just don't know what thermostat I should use. I'm looking at the Herpstat 1 Basic and the VE-200. They are around the same price only a $1 difference, I know the Herpstat has a lot of extra features but I don't know if I'll really need then all for the incubator. So which would you recommend? Or what thermostat do you guys use for your incubators? Which one has worked best for you? I've been thinking about it for quite some time and just can't come to a conclusion so I need a bunch of opinions for you guys :) thanks so much for your help! You guys always give the best answers.


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You are already there. :gj:

All the work done and the money spent is so you can hatch out really cool things so looking at two of the top line thermostats is the way to go. (either way)

I have my incubators set up with a HerpStat-4 just becasue I'm a little lazy. (ie, when I was building racks, etc I was ordering 5 HerpStat-4's anyway so I just ordered another for the incubators)

Nice thing about the HerpStat is that you can plug in the optional RH% cable and keep an eye on humidity and temp with one unit. (More intended to control a fogger if RH% drops, but it still works without)

You are right in that there are some bells and whistles that you might not need on a HerpStat so if you want to save a few bucks with Vivarium Electronic then you might as well. I have one VE-300 X2 and it does have temp control to 1/10th of a degree. If the VE 200 does also then you should be good to go!

Chris

Thanks for the reply :) very thorough! Just the way I like it. Hope some more people chime in, I'd love to hear some more opinions. Keep them coming peeps. :)


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Oh btw Welcome to the forum!! :) your already an asset to the community haha thanks for you help!


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I have the HerpStat intro on mine.

Works well and very simple to use.

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Originally Posted by 3skulls

I have the HerpStat intro on mine.

Works well and very simple to use.

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I was thinking about getting that one too, but I'd be using the thermostat on the incubator when it has eggs in it and once the eggs hatch and the babies are put in there hatching rack I'll use the same thermostat on the rack but the website says it doesn't recommend the HerpStat intro for rack systems. Does anyone know why? I'm thinking it could possibly be a wattage issue or something since it has a 350w maximum limit. I probably should've added that I need it to work for a hatchling rack system and an incubator in the post. Oopsy.


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

I was thinking about getting that one too, but I'd be using the thermostat on the incubator when it has eggs in it and once the eggs hatch and the babies are put in there hatching rack I'll use the same thermostat on the rack but the website says it doesn't recommend the HerpStat intro for rack systems. Does anyone know why? I'm thinking it could possibly be a wattage issue or something since it has a 350w maximum limit. I probably should've added that I need it to work for a hatchling rack system and an incubator in the post. Oopsy.


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The herpstat intro uses the back of the thermostat as the temp sensor, the is not a corded temp probe. It must be installed in the incubator/enclosure. You must cut a hole in the eclosure and recess the thermostat into it, hence the name 'intro'. I hope you follow what I mean

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I also recommend using herpstats. I have them on all my racks and incubator.

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Originally Posted by EAC Reptiles

The herpstat intro uses the back of the thermostat as the temp sensor, the is not a corded temp probe. It must be installed in the incubator/enclosure. You must cut a hole in the eclosure and recess the thermostat into it, hence the name 'intro'. I hope you follow what I mean

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Are you sure it doesn't have a probe? The website and manual talks about it have a probe, but I'm not 100% sure since I don't see the probe or where it should go in the thermostat but here's a snapshot of the website and manual.

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/a...psvajmmbla.png

http://i863.photobucket.com/albums/a...psiuiz3dvs.png

I may be totally wrong though haha, that's why I'm coming to you guys.


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My herpstat intro has a probe..

Yeah mine has a probe.

I apologize it does have a temp prob. But i believe it still needs/should to be mounted into a recessed mounting hole. That was the reason for the intro, to be moumted into an enclosure. Look at the picture, it has flanges for flush mounting. You would be best with the herpstat 1, it is more versitile. The herpstat 1 can be used in any fashion.

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I've had both Vivarium Electronics and Herpstat. I know people who will vouch for Spyder Robotics and Vivarium Electronics. At the end of the day it all really boils down to which you like the best.

I prefer herpstat because you don't have to sit there and pay extra for the night drop. Then the herpstats have more features for the same price. I also like that it's a smaller unit and to me looks better. I know they also have user replaceable fuses(not sure if VE has them or not). So in the end I wouldn't buy a VE ever again.

Then another reason purely out of preference is the fact that you can't buy directly from them, you have to purchase from a reseller. You can buy herpstats straight from Spyder Robotics.

Ok cool, so have either one of you ever used a Herpstat intro with a rack system? I know they can all be used for incubators and cages but how about a rack system? Idk why the website says it doesn't recommend it for rack systems but in the manual it says not compatible with Metal rack systems with 3 prong cords. I'm getting a rack system from C serpents the 9 tub hatchling rack. So would the Herpstat Intro work on one of those racks? If not I'll just keep the options between Herpstat 1 and VE-200.


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

Ok cool, so have either one of you ever used a Herpstat intro with a rack system? I know they can all be used for incubators and cages but how about a rack system? Idk why the website says it doesn't recommend it for rack systems but in the manual it says not compatible with Metal rack systems with 3 prong cords. I'm getting a rack system from C serpents the 9 tub hatchling rack. So would the Herpstat Intro work on one of those racks? If not I'll just keep the options between Herpstat 1 and VE-200.


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They don't recommend the herpstat intro for racks because it doesn't have a pulse proportional heating mode like many other herpstat models. Some racks that are made from metal need a thermostat to have pulse proportional heating mode so they don't produce a buzzing noise and because they don't have grounded plugs.. If your rack isn't metal the herpstat intro will do fine. Personally I would go with the herpstat intro + because it has an extra layer of safety. If something goes wrong on the herpstat intro plus it has a device that will physically cut power to the thermostat to prevent cooking your snake. The herpstat 1, 2, & 4 also have this. The herpstat intro and herpstat basic do not.

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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

Ok cool, so have either one of you ever used a Herpstat intro with a rack system? I know they can all be used for incubators and cages but how about a rack system? Idk why the website says it doesn't recommend it for rack systems but in the manual it says not compatible with Metal rack systems with 3 prong cords. I'm getting a rack system from C serpents the 9 tub hatchling rack. So would the Herpstat Intro work on one of those racks? If not I'll just keep the options between Herpstat 1 and VE-200.


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The intro will only take a two prong cord, it doesn't have the grounding plug built in. Hardware stores sell adapters to turn a three prong into a two prong cord, but that isn't really recommended because it removes the grounding on the cord.

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Originally Posted by EAC Reptiles

The intro will only take a two prong cord, it doesn't have the grounding plug built in. Hardware stores sell adapters to turn a three prong into a two prong cord, but that isn't really recommended because it removes the grounding on the cord.

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The grounding issue isn't that big of a deal really. It only pertains to metal racks, and there are other (honestly better) ways to ground a metal rack.

A Herpstat intro plus would work with a C Serpent rack made of PVC Board right? And 2 prong 3 prong thing shouldn't be an issue I don't think, so now I'm leaning towards the Herpstat Intro Plus. Just to maximize on the price and all the stuff I'll get in that thermostat. But keep the opinions coming!


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Guess I am the odd one out.
I will stick with my VE200s all day long.
Have them on my racks and my big bator that has only had about 10 or 12 clutches through it in the last couple years.

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Guess I am the odd one out.
I will stick with my VE200s all day long.
Have them on my racks and my big bator that has only had about 10 or 12 clutches through it in the last couple years.

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What do you like about the VE-200? That's why I'm so torn between the two because they are both good thermostats :)


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

What do you like about the VE-200? That's why I'm so torn between the two because they are both good thermostats :)


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They are simple to set up and I have had one of the first ones running for a couple years without any problems

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

Guess I am the odd one out.
I will stick with my VE200s all day long.
Have them on my racks and my big bator that has only had about 10 or 12 clutches through it in the last couple years.

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Have you used both? Everyone that I know who has used both says they prefer herpstats over the VE lineup.

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Originally Posted by The Serpent Merchant

Have you used both? Everyone that I know who has used both says they prefer herpstats over the VE lineup.

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I had an old herp that I didn't like and when I got my new helix in I gave it away. Shortly after I realized I would need a couple more stats so I tried the ves and love them. Its like underwear, to each his own.;)

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Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl

They are simple to set up and I have had one of the first ones running for a couple years without any problems

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I do like the simplicity of them to. They were my first choice for a thermostat but I thought I'd get some opinions of the others too. I don't know. They are just so hard to choose between! Lol


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I am an absolute die-hard Herpstat user. I'm also a die-hard Nikon camera user. That is because, I've never shot Canon nor am I familiar with it.

Same with Herpstat and VE> Herpstat is what I got started on. We have maybe 10 of them. A few of the older style, and most of them are the Intros. I absolutely love the intros.

They don't HAVE to be mounted anywhere, and yes they do have a probe. They work like a charm. I am using the built-in night drop feature (no extra probe, yay!) to night-cycle my corns this year and it works beautifully. I don't even have to do anything.

It also has the high-low temp alarms.

That's just me though. You're going to be doing just fine with either HS or VE. Just don't use any cheap alternatives and you're golden.

As for why INtros are sometimes not recommended for racks:

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-----Original Message-----
From: katia@squamishserpents.ca [mailto:katia@squamishserpents.ca]
Sent: Saturday, January 19, 2013 2:19 AM
To: sales@spyderrobotics.com
Subject: Spyder Robotics Contact Us

name: Katia

comment: Hi there, just a (hopefully) quick question. I notice on the
products page, the Herpstat Intro/+ is not recommended for rack systems. I
am wondering why not? I have been using them with my racks with much
success, but now I'm kind of freaked out? Please let me know!

referred by: Other

concerning: Herpstat Intro

Two reasons:

1. Some racks are large and use more wattage than the 350 watts max of the
Herpstat Intro. You can check with the rack manufacturer to determine what
wattage the racks are rated at.

2. Many racks are metal and require 3 prong grounded cords which the intro
units don't have. If you don't use the ground on a metal rack you can
sometimes be shocked by it.

So if you have plastic racks and the wattage is 350 or less then you have
nothing to worry about. :^)

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics LLC
http://www.spyderrobotics.com

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Now that I'm starting to lean toward a Herpstat is pulse proportional or dimming a better setting? Because the VE-200 has the pulse proportional setting, a built in shut off relay, and 700 watt capacity. The Herpstat into + has dimming proportional control, built in safety power relay, and 350 watt capacity. So now the dimming/pulse proportional and wattage are factors.


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Helix!

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Originally Posted by coldbloodaddict

Helix!

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Haha and why do you like helix?


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

Haha and why do you like helix?


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I have been using them for close to 15 years with no problems! It's the only thermostat I have ever used on my incubators...Can't ever see switching either!

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Originally Posted by coldbloodaddict

I have been using them for close to 15 years with no problems! It's the only thermostat I have ever used on my incubators...Can't ever see switching either!

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Well I will check those out too :) added to the list lol.


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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

Now that I'm starting to lean toward a Herpstat is pulse proportional or dimming a better setting? Because the VE-200 has the pulse proportional setting, a built in shut off relay, and 700 watt capacity. The Herpstat into + has dimming proportional control, built in safety power relay, and 350 watt capacity. So now the dimming/pulse proportional and wattage are factors.


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I wouldn't get the + for a rack. I have C serpent racks with the Herpstat 1 basic. It requires no mounting and you can stack them just like the VE's. It's $6 more for the herpstat 1 basic as well.

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Originally Posted by Neal

I wouldn't get the + for a rack. I have C serpent racks with the Herpstat 1 basic. It requires no mounting and you can stack them just like the VE's. It's $6 more for the herpstat 1 basic as well.

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That's true it's not much of a price difference, but the Herpstat 1 basic doesn't have the safety shut off, and the Intro + does. And I'd also like to know about the pulse vs. dimming thing. And the only time they don't recommend a Herpstat intro for racks is if it's a metal rack but it will be fine with a PVC rack like C Serpents. So I think it would be fine.


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I have the Intro+ in my incubator (came with the incubator) and either Herpstat 1 or 2 on the racks. I do have a VE 200 on my chondro cage, and I like it just fine. I just overall prefer the features of the Herpstats.

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Originally Posted by AlexisFitzy

That's true it's not much of a price difference, but the Herpstat 1 basic doesn't have the safety shut off, and the Intro + does. And I'd also like to know about the pulse vs. dimming thing. And the only time they don't recommend a Herpstat intro for racks is if it's a metal rack but it will be fine with a PVC rack like C Serpents. So I think it would be fine.


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I know, but I just don't like using intro with racks. It's purely preference because the intro looks best mounted in something.

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Originally Posted by Neal

I know, but I just don't like using intro with racks. It's purely preference because the intro looks best mounted in something.

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Ohhh ok :) I can totally understand that. lol


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So does anyone want to share any info on if dimming or pulse proportional is better? Since we've covered everything else this is the only thing I'd like to see more info on. I've googled the subject but I've read a lot of weird answers/opinions. So what do you guys think about dimming/pulse proportional when it comes to heat mats/heat tap? Or should I just start a separate thread with this subject?


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