What's the best Thermostat out there?

Based on quality and price. I'm on a budget, but I want something that will do it's job. Please let me know, the more feedback the better.

The Ranco and Johnson one's are supposed to be good (haven't used them personally). I have a Herpstat - it's brilliant. It's all I use now, I'm completely sold on them.

For proportional tstats Helix or Herpstat are good.

If you go with on/off...Ranco or Johnson.

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Originally Posted by JBallPython

For proportional tstats Helix or Herpstat are good.

If you go with on/off...Ranco or Johnson.

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Sorry, but I'm new to this and you lost me on that one.

Nevermind a quick google search cleared that up. Will the proportional tstats work with all heat pads. If not what do they work with. I would assume proportional is the way to go.

High end helix and herpstat, low end Johnson and Ranco.

http://www.reptilebasics.com/home.php?cat=250

http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat.html

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

Sorry, but I'm new to this and you lost me on that one.

Nevermind a quick google search cleared that up. Will the proportional tstats work with all heat pads. If not what do they work with. I would assume proportional is the way to go.

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Proportional T-Stats will definitely work with all heat pads. If you have any heat pads with three prongs on the electrical plug, you'll have to ask when you order, specifically for a "grounded" model. I personally don't have any heat pads (or flexwatt) with that three pronged plug, so it wasn't an issue for me.

I use a Herpstat proportional T-Stat and love it :)

After all said and done, price and quality would have to be IMO a helix.

Between ranco and johnson, I would go with a johnson.

i like herpstats personally

Theres a big debate on which is better...ranco or johnson
heres a thread...

ranco vs johnson

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ighlight=ranco

http://www.faunaclassifieds.com/foru...d.php?t=100477

Interesting debate, seems like there are alot of different views. Now my next question is why is the price difference so large between the ones that have already been mentioned,
Proportionals like, Helix and Herpstat, and On/Offs like Ranco and Johnson

Vs.

Zoo Med Reptitemp 500's [

I know I need one and I want to make sure I do the right thing, but I'm have very little money right now as I'm in between jobs. Is the quality that much better with the more expensive one's like Ranco and Johnson.

Although I really don't have the money for it I'm either going to get a Herpstat
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora....id=22007&xm=on

Or one of the Reptitemp 500's
URL]http://www.reptilesupply.com/index.php?cPath=30_74[/URL]

I'm assuming the Herpstat is my best choice I just want to make sure I'm not spending more than I need to.

Zoo Med Reptitemp 500's is not digital and fluctuates too much, in my opinion just a piece of junk. I would no consider one of those unless it was something temporary even than you would be better off with a rheostat.

Trust me Ranco is the minimum you want to have for your animal!

yes the quality is better! the rancos and johnsons use solid state circuitry and sensors accurate to one degree +/-.


the reptitemps are basically bi-metal coils and can vary 3-5 degrees easily. older technology that is on it's way out.

the rancos and johnsons can handle 1500 watts also, this is something to consider with large setups or expanding collections.


vaughn

That's kinda of what I was thinking.
I'm going to go with Herpstat, since it's only about $30 more than the Ranco or Johnson Thermostats. If I'm going to go with the best quality I don't mind spending a little more. I'm not too worried about the watt potential right now since I only have one BP. Although I'm already hooked and I know I will have more eventually. It won't be for a while though, probably a few years.

If anyone knows any reason I shouldn't go with Herpstat, please respond.

Yeah I started out with no thermostat (before I realized it was needed by reading here) then I got one of those piece of s*** 25 dollar ones from a pet store, with the little nob....**shakes head**

then finally I went and got a Johnson, now I wish I would have not been such a cheapskate and coughed up the extra dough to get a helix as I am going to have to get one now anyway! Johnson is fine if you're looking for an on/off type of thermostat, but personally I'd recommend tossing the extra bucks for the helix

Umm, i don't know much about herpistats, but I bought a helix for my rack system and I couldn't be happier!

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Originally Posted by Holbeird

Yeah I started out with no thermostat (before I realized it was needed by reading here) then I got one of those piece of s*** 25 dollar ones from a pet store, with the little nob....**shakes head**

then finally I went and got a Johnson, now I wish I would have not been such a cheapskate and coughed up the extra dough to get a helix as I am going to have to get one now anyway! Johnson is fine if you're looking for an on/off type of thermostat, but personally I'd recommend tossing the extra bucks for the helix

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I've gone that route with vitually every other husbandry item since I got my first BP. I've got more bulbs, hides, thermometers, etc... that I bought and later realized were no good than I can handle. Please take no offense, but I'm trying to avoid going the same route that you just explained. Thanks for the advice, it's a huge help :D

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Originally Posted by Purrrfect9

Umm, i don't know much about herpistats, but I bought a helix for my rack system and I couldn't be happier!

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I'm pretty sure that Herpstat and Helix are vitually identical. The only difference is that the Herpstat is a little cheaper and Helix has been around longer giving it more time to develop a good reputation(that's what I've gathered through my research at least).

I have a Helix and will never use anything else.

I just read through the thread about "Where do you place the probe to your Thermostat."
And wow... :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

It seems most of the posters had tubs. Since I have an aquarium my thought's are that I should place the probe under my substrate on the bottom of my tank on the warm side either under or near his hide. I would also think it'd be a good idea to tape it down there (would duct tape be safe for this, I don't want a tape that would burn obviously). I would have to run the cord down through the side of my tank since I can't drill a hole in glass. I would also tape any portion of the cord that's inside my tank (ie. down the inside of the glass). Every morning I wake up and find my thermometer probe in a new place with a different temp, I think the little guy likes to play jokes on.

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

I've gone that route with vitually every other husbandry item since I got my first BP. I've got more bulbs, hides, thermometers, etc... that I bought and later realized were no good than I can handle. Please take no offense, but I'm trying to avoid going the same route that you just explained. Thanks for the advice, it's a huge help :D

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Originally Posted by lillyorchid

I have a Helix and will never use anything else.

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exactly!

Just get a Helix!

Is it worth killing your baby to save 30 to 40dollars?

A Johnson Control or Ranco isn't going to kill your snake. I personally have a Helix, a Herpstat 2, a regular Herpstat, and two Johnson Controls. They all work great and keep the temperatures perfect. I even used one of the Johnson Controls on my incubator. 18 eggs went in, 18 health babies came out.

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Originally Posted by SatanicIntention

A Johnson Control or Ranco isn't going to kill your snake. I personally have a Helix, a Herpstat 2, a regular Herpstat, and two Johnson Controls. They all work great and keep the temperatures perfect. I even used one of the Johnson Controls on my incubator. 18 eggs went in, 18 health babies came out.

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And that's what she said..... literally :D

I used the zoo med thermostat for almost two years and it just had way too much flucuation. Id set it on 90 and id check it in a few days and it would be down 84. I just replaced it with the zoomed rheostat and it seems to work much better with no fluctuation as of yet( only been using it a week).



I know these are cheap junk but Id recommend the rheostat over the t stat.

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

I just read through the thread about "Where do you place the probe to your Thermostat."
And wow... :confused: :confused: :confused: :confused:

It seems most of the posters had tubs. Since I have an aquarium my thoughts are that I should place the probe under my substrate on the bottom of my tank on the warm side either under or near his hide. I would also think it'd be a good idea to tape it down there (would duct tape be safe for this, I don't want a tape that would burn obviously). I would have to run the cord down through the side of my tank since I can't drill a hole in glass. I would also tape any portion of the cord that's inside my tank (IE. down the inside of the glass). Every morning I wake up and find my thermometer probe in a new place with a different temp, I think the little guy likes to play jokes on.

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People here can tell you all day why they like tubs/tanks better and some ppl here swear by tanks or swear by tubs, some use both so I wont go into my ideas on why you should use one or the other, and I'll simply answer the question you asked.

In terms of the tape, dont use duct tape, get Aluminum foil tape so you wont have any problems with the heat. Also If you're going to use a tank, I'd suggest looking at this link, it's really helpful and I used this for my info before switching to tubs.

http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=32800


That also has some info as to probe placement. Also make sure to get a thermometer to measure temps from both sides of the cage (in addition to the thermostat because this will let you know if the thermostat is working correctly) also I'd try and get one that has humidity on it as well or you'll have to buy something to read the humidity. I'd suggest this, you can get it at wal mart or lows for about 12 bucks.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...7GT&lpage=none

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Originally Posted by Krazy99CL

exactly!

Just get a Helix!

Is it worth killing your baby to save 30 to 40dollars?

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Obviously not worth killing my baby, but I'm planning on buying a herpstat which is a proportional that as far as I can tell is identical to the Helix. If your can show me any difference please do.

I have the herpstat pro and it is amazing it has 4 outputs. It controls an incubator, 2 racks and room ambient temps with one unit. And you can program night drops individually for each output or not use the night drop on any output(like incubator or hatchling rack). This one unit replaces 4 Rancos and does a better job :sweeet:

Alright, so I'm going to use aluminum foil tape to run the cord down the side of my tank and under my aspen substrate to hold it in place. Does anyone know where this can be found locally or what it's normally used for? I'd prefer to not pay shipping charges for such a small item. Maybe Hardware stores or Walmart?

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Originally Posted by BigCeC43

Alright, so I'm going to use aluminum foil tape to run the cord down the side of my tank and under my aspen substrate to hold it in place. Does anyone know where this can be found locally or what it's normally used for? I'd prefer to not pay shipping charges for such a small item. Maybe Hardware stores or Walmart?

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Tape in the enclosure is not a good idea, and definitely not recommended.

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Originally Posted by GA_Ball_Pythons

Tape in the enclosure is not a good idea, and definitely not recommended.

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I have read that, but I need something to hold the thermostat cord and probe in place. Right now my BP moves the thermometer probe everynight, b/c it's not locked in place. I would use repti-carpet, but that would not solve my problem of keeping the cord in place on the side of the tank. I know that it would get moved since my BP loves to coil around and pull the thermometer cord that I have in there now.

If a good one sided tape I was used I don't see how he could ever get stuck to it. The only place that the tape would be exposed would be the side of the tank, it'd be under the substrate on the bottom of the enclosure... allowing the probe to stick up through the substrate.

But if you have any other ideas on how I can lock the thermostat chord and probe in place let me know. I have I glass tank so drilling through the bottom isn't an option. I would definetly consider other options, if there are other ways to solve this problem in a glass tank.

Ive got a HELIX, i love it!

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Originally Posted by westcoastjungle

I have the herpstat pro and it is amazing it has 4 outputs. It controls an incubator, 2 racks and room ambient temps with one unit. And you can program night drops individually for each output or not use the night drop on any output(like incubator or hatchling rack). This one unit replaces 4 Rancos and does a better job :sweeet:

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I'm running the same units. Awesome product.

Do all of you that use Digital Thermostats have tubs? I would think that there would be at least a few of you that use aquariums. Just looking for ideas (other than tape) to hold the probe in place.

I would suggest putting the probe on the outside of the tank for the thermostat or run it down the tank and attach it with those glass sticky things with hooks. (like people attach those little stained glass things on their windows) But if you put the thermostat probe taped to the outside of the tank (on the bottom) then you'll have your thermometer inside the tank on one side, with the probe on the bottom of the tank on the other side (that brand I said has a sticky side to it) and just adjust the thermostat accordingly higher/lower to make the thermometer read what you want.

Currently running a Herpstat ND and a Herpstat Pro. LOVE them. Herpstat certainly does have a lot more interactivity than Helix (bigger screen with text and such), however, I have heard nothing but good things about Helix.

As for probe placement, since I have a rack system, I've got both my thermostat and thermometer probe taped to the bottom of an empty tub. Since you have an aquarium, I would suggest you secure the thermostat probe to the heat source itself, and then run a thermometer probe down onto the bottom of the aquarium under the substrate. IF your snake decides to roughen things up a bit, you at least know that if the probe gets moved, it won't be the probe that controls the heat source. If the probe to your heat source gets loose, then you're asking for problems.

I would also suggest that you experiment around with different options. What works for us may not work for you, and likewise.

The only problem with taping it to the heat source/ outside of my tank is that I have a heat pad which has been stuck to my tank for about a month. I've read that peeling them off can cause cracking and malfunctions which I obviously don't want. I could tape it to the bottom of my heat pad I suppose it just doesn't make sense to me. Although I do have an Accurite Thermometer/Hydrometer coming in the mail (glad to hear they stick right on, J.R.) as well another Thermomet w/ a probe to measure temps so it may be possible. I just feel like if the Thermostat probe was taped to the heat source itself their would be more variance in temps due to the fact that the heat must still travel through the substrate to the Thermometer. Alright now I feel like I'm just rambling

Thanks for the help everyone I'm ordering the Herpstat tomorrow, once I get it I will take everyone's opinions into consideration and figure out what works best for me. :rockon:

AWESOME!! :gj: