Digital thermostat for $24. Will it work?

[ericeod]

I was browsing reptile supplies online and through a few random links stumbled onto this Digital Thermostat:
Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Thermostat

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41jOQW0tOJL.jpg

One of the Amazon reviews said this:

I bought 2 of these to control the temp on 2 of 4 snakes I have, they are in separate viv's, I wanted to have better control over the temps, this addressed my problem...in fact, I will be ordering 2 more soon. I have a reptile t-stat that just has a dial that has color graduation for temps, I had to let it stabilize for days to get the correct temp, then hope the kids or cats didnt bump it and change it. with the digital t-stat, you set it and forget it! I have them set to 83F, they turn on about 80.9F and turn off at 83F (but the heat pads still heat up to about 85F)...this is about perfect for my corn snakes.
I have an external thermometer on each one (same location as the Hydrofarm sensor) to verify the temps, they are within .3F of each other!

I would reccomend these to anyone that needs temp control (with 4-5F flucuation)

From what I gather, it works fine with reptile UTH and is digitally controlled. They are only $24 and seem to be much better then my current ZooMed 500R thermostat.

Any thoughts, ideas or expereince using these by other members?

[Powerspythons]

I have no experience with them personally but I have only heard good things...but IMO you really cant beat a good herpstat or helix...

[Black_Shark]

I have no experience with them personally but I have only heard good things...but IMO you really cant beat a good herpstat or helix...

This X2. My roommate has a Herpstat pro and the thing is amazing. Me, I get by with 2 Reptitemp 500r which work perfectly once you get em set. And the temp stays where its supposed to even with fluctuations in the room temps. I'd say get/stick with the reptitemp untill you can buy the herpstat.

[Exotic Ectotherms]

I have 2 of the Hydrofarm thermostats for my quarantine tubs and they do a pretty good job. I don't know if I would trust it running a rack though.

I run a Herpstat II on my rack and it is a top-notch piece of equipment.

[SK_Exotics]

Mine works. Its been a few months.

[j_h_smith]

I tested this unit and others have given their opinion in the following thread.

Good Luck!
Jim Smith

http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...ydrofarm+smith

[yeroc1982]

I have 1 herpstat and one cheaper tstat, think its a zilla1000. Herpstats are totally worth the money, in fact i ordered another today. Never have to worry about temps again!

[ericeod]

Thanks all for the comments, links and advice. I will use one of these for my Rosies and look into a Helix for my BPs just after the new year. I picked up an extra one for a friend (got him a Lesser BP as a gift) who is using a dimmer switch right now.

[jonesy72]

so yeah ive been useing the hydro farm for a few months now. on my six slot rack.. 11in flexwatt . but only useing 3 slots in that rack now.. in all honesty .. i havent had one problem with it. its been pretty accurate with the temps. for the price it cant be beat.. but i will also say .. that as time goes on ,it worries me how long it will last. but so far so good. ill be going to herpstat nd soon and use the hydro as back up for that rack...

[Exotic Ectotherms]

I picked up an extra one for a friend (got him a Lesser BP as a gift) who is using a dimmer switch right now.

WOW...can I be your friend???? That is an awful nice gift! I'll take a female lesser...lol.