Thermostat Question

So, I'm looking into getting a thermostat and I came up with a question. I was looking at this:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...at-with-probe/

and I wondered if it was possible to expand the use of the thermostat by plugging a strip into one of the outlets? Would the thermostat be able to control the heating devices through the strip? I'm thinking as long as I don't go over 1000 watts I'm safe, but I'm no electrician and wanted to see what higher minds thought. Please let me know... I don't want to burn my babies!

That's how it's usually done ... via a power strip ... just don't go over the thermostats max wattage or you're going to have problems.

For what it's worth, I'm personally not a big fan of the Alife thermos ... I've seen many of them just poop out leaving racks and cages with no heat at all until it's noticed by the owner. They are really pretty poor quality when it comes to thermos. I know you didn't ask, but most of the time I just can't help running my big mouth ... sorry for the extra babble. :D

-adam

Hey, I'd rather know that than get something that won't work... what do you think about the BAH-1000 Thermos from Big Apple herp. They look comparable to the Alife thermos, but I talked to a guy who liked them... opinions always welcome! :confuse:

I've actually used that one and I think that it's basically the same thing ... When it comes to something like thermostats, reliability is the most important thing IMO and I've yet to see a reliable thermostat or accurate in that price range.

I think for an extra $20 or so you could pick up a Ranco, and while I'm not a huge fan of on/off thermostats, at least Rancos have a proven track record for reliability.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's all I got. :D

-adam

not steal the thread here but what thermostat do you use adam?

Not what I want to hear? Man, I need to know this stuff...

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Originally Posted by amg20102006

not steal the thread here but what thermostat do you use adam?

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I use Helix thermostats exclusively ... I've had some that have been running for almost 10 years without a problem. They certainly aren't the cheapest solution and I'm not really one that believes that a higher prices automatically mean better quality, but I've tried out enough thermostats to know what I do like and what I don't. I like Helix.

-adam

There're some Helix's on Fauna for $108 shipped... awesome price if you can afford it :)

what helix one? do you have a link to one Adam?

I tried one of those BIg Apple Herp "t-stats", set it for 94 on the warm side... And you know what? Warm side fluctuated between the mid 80's and "might" have gotten up to 90... They really are just junk, and if you look at the diagrams Matt(www.mgreptiles.com) has on his site when he dissected one, you will be surprised that people actually entrust those things to control 1000 watts... Scary stuff.


I unhooked that thing and it is now under my bed taking up space. I use a Herpstat 2 now and am in love(although I would have loved to get the software it was supposed to come with...). It keeps the warm side at 93.8-94 and the cool side at 82.9-83 24/7. I love it :)

Maybe look into the Johnsons or the Rancos. They are actually meant to handle that sort of power.

All right, so, expansion on this question... say I get a dimmer from Matt until I can afford a thermos... can I plug a strip into the dimmer and control multiple heat sources from it? Thanks for all the help!

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

I tried one of those BIg Apple Herp "t-stats", set it for 94 on the warm side... And you know what? Warm side fluctuated between the mid 80's and "might" have gotten up to 90... They really are just junk, and if you look at the diagrams Matt(www.mgreptiles.com) has on his site when he dissected one, you will be surprised that people actually entrust those things to control 1000 watts... Scary stuff.


I unhooked that thing and it is now under my bed taking up space. I use a Herpstat 2 now and am in love(although I would have loved to get the software it was supposed to come with...). It keeps the warm side at 93.8-94 and the cool side at 82.9-83 24/7. I love it :)

Maybe look into the Johnsons or the Rancos. They are actually meant to handle that sort of power.

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Glad to hear! I have a Herpstat 2 as well. But not hooked up yet as I'm still waiting for my T3 from Animal Plastics.

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Originally Posted by ladywhipple02

All right, so, expansion on this question... say I get a dimmer from Matt until I can afford a thermos... can I plug a strip into the dimmer and control multiple heat sources from it? Thanks for all the help!

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That will work as long as all of the heating devices are the same (or at least the same wattage) ... I actually forgot to mention this earlier, but the same idea applies to thermostats. If you have a 25 watt UTH and a 150 watt CHE plugged in, there is no way that a single dimmer or thermostat can regulate them to be the proper temps .... but if you wanted to use a power strip to control 5 25 watt stips of heat tape (or whatever) they are all the same and would give off the same amount of heat, so it would work.

Make sense? :O

-adam

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Originally Posted by Adam_Wysocki

Make sense? :O
-adam

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I dont get it??? MAUAHAHAHAHAAHAHA

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Originally Posted by justcage

I dont get it??? MAUAHAHAHAHAAHAHA

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Must be a WV thing? :twisted:

-adam

Shoot man most of us Western Virginians cant not read:)

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Originally Posted by justcage

Shoot man most of us Western Virginians cant not read:)

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LMAO!!

-adam

Ewe forgot you're apostrophe ;)

how much did everyone pay for their herpstat 2? also is the herpstast 1 ok also adam how much did you pay for your helix?

The Herpstat runs around 100, Herpstat 2 anywhere from 200-250, and the Helix around 130. All of these can be found on Matt's website: mgreptiles.com


Also, there's a guy selling Helix's on Faunaclassifieds for 100 right now. Those won't last long...

ok. out of the herpstat 1 and the helix wich would you pick?

both are good, i would pick helix. it has been around alot longer and all the pros use them. (i do use both).


vaughn