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  • 07-26-2009, 09:54 PM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Are these good thermostats?
    http://www.petco.com/product/108340/...t=OnSiteSearch

    its a zilla "temperature controller" and they had them at the local petco for $50.

    Also can someone tell me whats with the prices. the expensive one does less watts but is smaller? (im guessing this is the one they had at the store)
    does anyone know the difference between the two? Like if its the same product why is one so huge... unless theyre counting the cord? :confused:

    im pretty sure the $50 one had a probe... BUT the one that says 1000watts on the package in the pictures, is the one that they want $50 for at the store.... idk im really confused... :rolleye2:

    also the bigger looking one (500watts) one had 3 outlets on it for three different heating elements i guess. but i cant tell if the cheaper one has the same stuff, and or probe.
  • 07-26-2009, 09:59 PM
    mrshawt
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    No, unfortunately they are P.O.S.'s.

    If you're looking for a cheap but reliable tstat, look up "ZooMed Repti temp 500r." Much better for a small price of $30 or so at most websites.

    Or...if you're looking for a higher price range, check out the Ranco or Johnson tstats here.

    Or better yet are the Herpstat and Helix.

    But I use a 500r and recommend it. Just make sure it has a backup, like a $10 Lutron 300W lamp dimmer in case it fails (true of any tstat regardless of price).
  • 07-26-2009, 10:11 PM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mrshawt View Post
    No, unfortunately they are P.O.S.'s.

    If you're looking for a cheap but reliable tstat, look up "ZooMed Repti temp 500r." Much better for a small price of $30 or so at most websites.

    Or...if you're looking for a higher price range, check out the Ranco or Johnson tstats here.

    Or better yet are the Herpstat and Helix.

    But I use a 500r and recommend it. Just make sure it has a backup, like a $10 Lutron 300W lamp dimmer in case it fails (true of any tstat regardless of price).

    Yeah i guess that would be better then buying one of these zilla things.... I wanted one of the 500r's but petsmart only has them online... idk. my parents are weird about buying online? or offline. what ever it would be...

    Can the 500r only do one heat source at a time? Also whats the wattage rating on it?

    Ill try to get one asap. like today. because i need one. My UTH is doing bad... it heats the substrate perfect but if I touch the glass at the bottom it it HOT. cant even hold my finger there for over 5 seconds... That wouldnt be good.... So ive been keeping it off, or turning it on to warm up then unplugging it.... :oops:
  • 07-26-2009, 10:14 PM
    mrshawt
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    The 500r has two plugs to control two different heating devices but will control them to the same temp. The wattage might be 500W but I'm not sure. Look at ZooMed's website and they have the product manual.
  • 07-26-2009, 10:26 PM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mrshawt View Post
    The 500r has two plugs to control two different heating devices but will control them to the same temp. The wattage might be 500W but I'm not sure. Look at ZooMed's website and they have the product manual.

    ok thanks..

    :oops: yeah 500w would make sence :rofl:
  • 07-26-2009, 10:40 PM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    they dont say on the site but im gonna say its 500watts.....
  • 07-26-2009, 11:38 PM
    Blue Apple Herps
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mrshawt View Post
    The 500r has two plugs to control two different heating devices but will control them to the same temp. The wattage might be 500W but I'm not sure. Look at ZooMed's website and they have the product manual.

    You can plug in a strip outlet and it can control more than that, just so long as they are all identical and you don't exceed the total wattage that the t-stat can handle.

    As for the OP, for a few bucks more you can get a Johnson or Ranco t-stat. They also show up used sometimes in the classifieds for not much $$.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:11 AM
    Joe Cope
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mrshawt View Post
    No, unfortunately they are P.O.S.'s.

    If you're looking for a cheap but reliable tstat, look up "ZooMed Repti temp 500r." Much better for a small price of $30 or so at most websites.

    Or...if you're looking for a higher price range, check out the Ranco or Johnson tstats here.

    Or better yet are the Herpstat and Helix.

    But I use a 500r and recommend it. Just make sure it has a backup, like a $10 Lutron 300W lamp dimmer in case it fails (true of any tstat regardless of price).

    I am actually gonna buy a ZooMed Repti temp 500r online right now. Haha.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:12 AM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by blueapplepaste View Post
    You can plug in a strip outlet and it can control more than that, just so long as they are all identical and you don't exceed the total wattage that the t-stat can handle.

    As for the OP, for a few bucks more you can get a Johnson or Ranco t-stat. They also show up used sometimes in the classifieds for not much $$.

    wow i cant believe i couldnt think of plugging in a strip outlet....
    what do you mean identical?

    If i got a more expensive one I would probably get the ranco ETC one

    http://www.reptilebasics.com/Ranco-E...0-p-16171.html

    what do you have to do with the wiring? the $60 ranco and johnson ones say you have to wire it.

    ehh. i probably dont really need it, but i might be able to use it in the future...

    what temp should i keep the UTH on during the day then? or all the time? 85º?

    is the reptile basics a good place to buy it from? + its $70 w/ shipping.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:22 AM
    mrshawt
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    You want a warm side of 92-94, with a cool side/ambient above 75 but below 85. Also, you don't need any kind of night drop.

    And yes, Reptile Basics is one of the best sites you will find. When it says unwired, it means you need to wire in a power strip to it. It requires little skill in electronics know-how. But for extra moolah, you can have Rich from Reptile Basics wire it for you.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:26 AM
    Danounet
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    I think you can get it cheaper in other websites if you look around, but Reptile Basics will get it ready and shipped to you pretty fast. I did buy a Ranco from them, and I did have to wire it (It was actualy fun wiring it, I like electrical work and science stuff).

    You'll need and extension cord and a power strip (like belkin or similar).

    Now dont get me wrong. I loved the Ranco as my first thermostat. And it is very good at what it does. But now that I know more about Thermostats, I wish I would have saved the money and bought a Helix Proportional instead. The only thing I dont like about the Ranco is the "click" like sound it makes everytime it turns the power on and off. I keep my Snakes in my room (untill I find a new place to move to), so the sound sometimes get annoying if you are trying to sleep and I am not very tired (light sleeper).
  • 07-27-2009, 12:37 AM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    :frustrate

    I have no idea what I want to do anymore. I might end up going with the repti temp just because its cheaper and I dont have alot of money right now, also hows this for the temp set up i still need to get in my tank

    http://www.amazon.com/Chaney-Instrum...669192&sr=8-21

    finally found an acu-rite.i guess it has all i need.?
  • 07-27-2009, 12:40 AM
    Danounet
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Ya thats what most people use. But I think you could find it cheaper at walmart and you wouldnt have to pay shipping.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:52 AM
    mrshawt
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    I've heard a lot about the clicking sound with tstats, but I've never heard it from my 500r for some reason...Hmmm...
    I mean, if it's totally silent in my room (almost never) you can hear a slight buzz when it's on, but nothing wake-uppable.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:52 AM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Danounet View Post
    Ya thats what most people use. But I think you could find it cheaper at walmart and you wouldnt have to pay shipping.

    You know, I went to walmart. They were utterly helpless. I dont think they have it. The lady who I asked basically had no idea what I was talking about and said if they had something that was a digital thermometer it would be over by the plumbing section. Which also had like hardware stuff.... Nothing good :mad:

    That would be nice if I could find it though.... I hate shipping.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:56 AM
    Danounet
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles View Post
    You know, I went to walmart. They were utterly helpless. I dont think they have it. The lady who I asked basically had no idea what I was talking about and said if they had something that was a digital thermometer it would be over by the plumbing section. Which also had like hardware stuff.... Nothing good :mad:

    That would be nice if I could find it though.... I hate shipping.

    Lol that happens in any Big store. I got mine at home depot, in the plants and flower section outside. I would guess thats where walmart keeps it too. Ask someone that works in that department, not just a random employee.


    I dont know which other tstats have the clicking sound, is not a constant sound. When ever the Ranco turns the power on or off to the power strip, it makes this loud click sound. It is actualy 2 different sounds. One for "On" and the other for "Off".
  • 07-27-2009, 01:02 AM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Danounet View Post
    Lol that happens in any Big store. I got mine at home depot, in the plants and flower section outside. I would guess thats where walmart keeps it too. Ask someone that works in that department, not just a random employee.


    I dont know which other tstats have the clicking sound, is not a constant sound. When ever the Ranco turns the power on or off to the power strip, it makes this loud click sound. It is actualy 2 different sounds. One for "On" and the other for "Off".

    Yeah I checked the outdoor section too all they had was like BBQ or grill thermometers or something like that...

    I think our house thermostat clicks alot... But with the UTH it would be on 24/7 so should ever click on or off... right? lol. unless it overheats

    Maby ill look at walmart again. :sigh2:
  • 07-27-2009, 01:11 AM
    Danounet
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles View Post
    Yeah I checked the outdoor section too all they had was like BBQ or grill thermometers or something like that...

    I think our house thermostat clicks alot... But with the UTH it would be on 24/7 so should ever click on or off... right? lol. unless it overheats

    Maby ill look at walmart again. :sigh2:

    Well actualy the cheaper thermostat are the "on" and "off" type. Meaning when it reaches a set temp, it will cut the power to the heating device. then back on etc. Example; my Ranco is set up at 97. When it reaches 97 it cuts the power to the heating device off. When the temperature reaches 95, it turns the power back on. It clicks everytime it does that.

    The more expensive ones are "Proportional" meaning it controls the amount of power going to the heating device. Which makes the heating device stay at a constant temperature always.
  • 07-27-2009, 01:16 AM
    I<3Dreamsicles
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Danounet View Post
    Well actualy the cheaper thermostat are the "on" and "off" type. Meaning when it reaches a set temp, it will cut the power to the heating device. then back on etc. Example; my Ranco is set up at 97. When it reaches 97 it cuts the power to the heating device off. When the temperature reaches 95, it turns the power back on. It clicks everytime it does that.

    The more expensive ones are "Proportional" meaning it controls the amount of power going to the heating device. Which makes the heating device stay at a constant temperature always.

    ohhh ok.
    :oops:
    so ex: the helix. doesnt go on and off just keeps it at the same temp all the time.
  • 07-27-2009, 01:30 AM
    Danounet
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Yes they are proportional, but I dont own one yet, so I cant tell any more than that :P
  • 07-27-2009, 07:38 AM
    mrshawt
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    This is where I got mine:
    http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=75
    I know it's online, but it's one of the best prices you'll find for it.
  • 07-27-2009, 12:13 PM
    Blue Apple Herps
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by I<3Dreamsicles View Post
    wow i cant believe i couldnt think of plugging in a strip outlet....
    what do you mean identical?

    I mean you would only want to run identical sized UTH in identical set ups or only 11" flexwatt in the same size tub. In other words, you would not want to run a large UTH in one tank, 3' of 4" flexwatt on a rack, and a a piece of 11" in a QT tank.

    Different heating elements require different amounts of power to get to a certain temp, so even if you're aiming for 92 to keep a bp, the power for a UTH to get to 92 will be different than a piece of flexwatt. So if they're different, then you're temps will be screwy. But if they're all identical, then they all require the same amount of power so you're fine.

    Quote:

    If i got a more expensive one I would probably get the ranco ETC one

    http://www.reptilebasics.com/Ranco-E...0-p-16171.html

    what do you have to do with the wiring? the $60 ranco and johnson ones say you have to wire it.

    ehh. i probably dont really need it, but i might be able to use it in the future...

    what temp should i keep the UTH on during the day then? or all the time? 85º?

    is the reptile basics a good place to buy it from? + its $70 w/ shipping.
    I will say this, you don't want to skimp on a t-stat. Don't buy a cheap off brand one. The thermostat could literally kill your snake if it fails or works improperly. I think its the most important thing you'll ever buy when keeping herps. Save up the extra $$ and do it once and do it right.
  • 07-27-2009, 01:05 PM
    Kaorte
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    I would get the reptitemp. If you plan on getting more snakes, then in addition to the reptitemp, get a johnsons or ranco. You will need a thermostat for your quarantine snake(s) so it would be good to work your way up. :)
  • 07-27-2009, 02:42 PM
    bamf64
    Re: Are these good thermostats?
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mrshawt View Post
    No, unfortunately they are P.O.S.'s.

    If you're looking for a cheap but reliable tstat, look up "ZooMed Repti temp 500r." Much better for a small price of $30 or so at most websites.

    Or...if you're looking for a higher price range, check out the Ranco or Johnson tstats here.

    Or better yet are the Herpstat and Helix.

    But I use a 500r and recommend it. Just make sure it has a backup, like a $10 Lutron 300W lamp dimmer in case it fails (true of any tstat regardless of price).

    i have one of those zilla ones and they are good
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