Which is the best thermostat?

Alright, I have to ask. After reading many a post regarding temp control, I must see which is the best thermostat to have for a BP enclosure. Right now mine is a 20L setup, but once she's bigger I'll be getting a designed wood/plexi cage. I bought a repti-temp 500R which I'll use for now, but I want to know which stat to save up for.
Thanks!

I use a Helix, and I love it! It's one of the more expensive thermostats, but its' well worth your money! But I hear that Johnsons and Ranco's work just as well also.

You can't go wrong with one of the four main stats out there: Helix, Herpstat, Johnson, and Ranco.

The Helix and Herpstat are more expensive because they are proportional stats and have more features than the Johnson and Ranco, but I believe the Johnson and Ranco can handle a higher load.

I use an herpstat, and it is backed-up by a ranco

i use 'habistat' only one i could get hold off out here, but my vet said they are a good make. and its 120 dollers for 1 so they better be good.

i have a johnson control a419. and it works great for everyday living. next year when i get into breeding i will be getting a helix for the incubator, and then will move it to the rack i have.

my opinion is unless you are breeding you don't need a night drop style, or a proportional. a simple on/off will work.

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Originally Posted by Kagez28

i have a johnson control a419. and it works great for everyday living. next year when i get into breeding i will be getting a helix for the incubator, and then will move it to the rack i have.

my opinion is unless you are breeding you don't need a night drop style, or a proportional. a simple on/off will work.

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Even if you are breeding, constant day/night temps are just fine. I believe the fine folks over at ballpythons.ca use 92/82 24-7 and for breeding drop it to 82-72 constant.

For incubating, however, you'll definitely want a helix or similar proportional thermo...

Thanks, everyone, for the great responces. So far it looks like Johnson or Ranco will be the way to go, most likely Johnson. However, I am a little confused with what 'raw unit' includes. Does that mean just the control box and probe? Also I'm currently looking at mgreptiles.com as a source; they have a good price at $65 and free shipping, but I wanted to know if they are a reliable source first before I order.

Thanks again!

I wouldn't recommend MGReptiles . However, I would recommend Reptile Basics or the Bean Farm.

You are correct about the raw unit. You will have to wire it with a cord or powerstrip, but it's relatively easy and they come with good instructions. Alternatively, you can usually order it pre-wired. Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Argentra

Thanks, everyone, for the great responces. So far it looks like Johnson or Ranco will be the way to go, most likely Johnson. However, I am a little confused with what 'raw unit' includes. Does that mean just the control box and probe? Also I'm currently looking at mgreptiles.com as a source; they have a good price at $65 and free shipping, but I wanted to know if they are a reliable source first before I order.

Thanks again!

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I'd stay away from Matt at MG Reptiles...here's some threads with stories from recent customers:

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...=Matt+Graybeal

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...=Matt+Graybeal

Ouch...Um, thanks for the tips. I will be going with Reptile basics as it looks like they have a fair deal on the pre-wired Johnson. Also, I liked their stat FAQ page. Seeing the advice on backups, and having this repti-temp that I ordered already before knowing better :), can I use the repti-temp as the backup to the Johnson? I don't have enough money to spare the $100+ for a helix.

Also, another quick Q: I finally saw what this 'flexwatt' is that everyone has. It looks good, and I'll probably get some to heat the designer wood/plexi cage I'll be getting her when she's bigger, but is it a good idea to use it now on a glass tank?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by xdeus

You can't go wrong with one of the four main stats out there: Helix, Herpstat, Johnson, and Ranco.

The Helix and Herpstat are more expensive because they are proportional stats and have more features than the Johnson and Ranco, but I believe the Johnson and Ranco can handle a higher load.

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That explains it perfectly. Reptile Basics is who I would recommend buying from. I have Ranco's and Herpstats, I'm very happy with those. :)

I've ordered from both Reptilebasics and MGReptiles. Reptilebasics is the way to go, I got my product 2 days after I ordered it...I believe my MGReptiles shipment came in about one month and half after I ordered it, along with plenty of drama. Rich is an awesome guy to work with at Reptile basics, you'll be very happy with your purchase.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CntrlF8

Even if you are breeding, constant day/night temps are just fine. I believe the fine folks over at ballpythons.ca use 92/82 24-7 and for breeding drop it to 82-72 constant.

For incubating, however, you'll definitely want a helix or similar proportional thermo...

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Umm, huh? If you are breeding night drops are part of the equation.

Once again, as I suggest with everyone, know your facts before you give advice.

http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

From that page:

In October we lower our temps at night. The hot spot goes down to 82 F and the cool end is 72 F.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jglass38

In October we lower our temps at night. The hot spot goes down to 82 F and the cool end is 72 F.

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Right, and that's probably why ended up with sweet little pastels this year. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jglass38

Umm, huh? If you are breeding night drops are part of the equation.

Once again, as I suggest with everyone, know your facts before you give advice.

http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

From that page:

In October we lower our temps at night. The hot spot goes down to 82 F and the cool end is 72 F.

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Someone might wanna tell these guys that then, otherwise their successful breeding enterprise may go under:
http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

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Originally Posted by CntrlF8

Someone might wanna tell these guys that then, otherwise their successful breeding enterprise may go under:
http://www.ballpython.ca/gallery/breeding.html

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As I explained in the post that you quoted, you were incorrect in stating that Mark Mandic uses a constant temp 24/7 during breeding season. He drops temps like pretty much every successful breeder. Which part am I missing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jglass38

As I explained in the post that you quoted, you were incorrect in stating that Mark Mandic uses a constant temp 24/7 during breeding season. He drops temps like pretty much every successful breeder. Which part am I missing?

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Dangit, I hate being proven wrong... I've read that page at least 50 times and never saw those two words "at night"

My bad guys, my bad...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CntrlF8

Dangit, I hate being proven wrong... I've read that page at least 50 times and never saw those two words "at night"

My bad guys, my bad...

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You're forgiven. :D

:) And thus the importance of making sure of info before posting it :)
But that's ok. Everyone makes mistakes, it's natural.

Anyway, I'm still waiting for answers on whether or not it's ok to use the repti-temp 500R as a backup stat to the Johnson... and if I should wait to get my custom wood/plexi cage before trying to use flexwatt tape.
Opinions?

personally i wouldn't trust the 500r as a backup. the rancos and johnsons have solid state circuitry, alot more advanced and reliable than the 500r. if you really want a real back up, use another johnson or ranco.



vaughn