Questions about using VE thermostats...

Hey all! I'm fairly new to reptile keeping/hobby and my first time posting in this forum (just been a lurker in the past and learned so many things already from this place).

I currently own: 0.1 ball python (in stand-alone tub), 1.0 western hognose (in stand-alone tub), and 1.0 mexican black kingsnake (18x18x18 exo terra).

Each of their enclosures have a heat mat/heat tape connected to ON/OFF thermostats currently. (But they're the cheaper ones I got from Amazon, so who knows how long they last).

I've gone to a couple of reptile shows near me to shop for supplies and came across the VE thermostats (100, 200, 300x2, etc) and heard that these guys are much safer for my reptiles and lasts longer than my current ones.

After reading the descriptions for each VE versions, I'm looking to possibly getting the VE-300x2 seeing as I'm able to have two independent heating options.

Would I be able to use this to heat, for example, my ball python's enclosure (with a heat tape set to 95F) and my hognose's enclosure (also with a heat tape, but different size and set to 90F)? Is that a major fire hazard? (Sorry, I'm not well versed in wirings and electrical things)
Or can I use it for just the ball python's tub (1 probe will be on the heat tape, 1 probe for a CHE (only using it in the winter))?

Is it safer to just purchase three VE-200 (or VE-100) for each of my snakes' enclosures instead?

(Do these hazards pose the same risks with Herpstat thermostats?)

Advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance! :)

The VE-200 is good because you can use the 2nd probe as a backup, or for a different UTH. Since you are running only one tub per output, I would try to get the x4 from VE. this way you can control all of them from one. Or you can get 2 of the x2 version. Personally I would get 2 x2 versions. this way if one fails you don't lose them all.

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Originally Posted by itsgreyshull

Would I be able to use this to heat, for example, my ball python's enclosure (with a heat tape set to 95F) and my hognose's enclosure (also with a heat tape, but different size and set to 90F)? Is that a major fire hazard? (Sorry, I'm not well versed in wirings and electrical things)
Or can I use it for just the ball python's tub (1 probe will be on the heat tape, 1 probe for a CHE (only using it in the winter))?

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I have not used the VE-300x2, but from my understanding, the two zones are independent, so you could use it in both of those situations. Assuming the CHE supports dimming.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by itsgreyshull

Is it safer to just purchase three VE-200 (or VE-100) for each of my snakes' enclosures instead?

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The VE-100 is not proportional, so it only does the on/off.

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

The VE-200 is good because you can use the 2nd probe as a backup, or for a different UTH. Since you are running only one tub per output, I would try to get the x4 from VE. this way you can control all of them from one. Or you can get 2 of the x2 version. Personally I would get 2 x2 versions. this way if one fails you don't lose them all.

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I don't see a a x4 option for VE, but I think there's a Herpstat 4 that has 4 outputs. I'll look into that.
Thanks!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wnateg

I have not used the VE-300x2, but from my understanding, the two zones are independent, so you could use it in both of those situations. Assuming the CHE supports dimming.



The VE-100 is not proportional, so it only does the on/off.

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Yes, the CHE is on a dimming lamp, so hopefully it should work. Thanks a bunch!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by itsgreyshull

I don't see a a x4 option for VE, but I think there's a Herpstat 4 that has 4 outputs. I'll look into that.
Thanks!

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You are right. sorry I got the two mixed up. I run the Herpstat 2 Redline and I love it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sur3fir3

You are right. sorry I got the two mixed up. I run the Herpstat 2 Redline and I love it.

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Ohh they look pretty good. Will need to save for that in the future!

Buy a Herpstat and never look back.