Vivarium Electronics Thermostat...

[BHReptiles]

I'm looking into purchasing a new thermostat for my incubator. I'm leaning towards purchasing a VE-200 or a VE-200D. One is pulse (200), the other is dimming (200D). What is the difference between the two and which is better?

[The Serpent Merchant]

The 200D is better. The difference is how the proportional control circuit works. The 200 works like an ultra fast on/off style thermostat to control the heat source while the 200D works more like an automated dimmer switch. (better control and better for heating elements over time)

Honestly though the herpstat line of thermostats are better than the VE thermostats. The herpstat intro + is cheaper, safer, and slightly more accurate than the 200 or 200D.

[BHReptiles]

Can you do a little comparison between the herpstat intro + and the VE-200D?

I've heard good reviews from both but don't use either on my racks. I know I wanted a good thermostat for my incubator because if the big girl I'm picking up in a couple of weeks does lay eggs for me, I want to be prepared with a working incubator that will hold temps perfectly. In order to have that, I need a thermostat that's top notch. I just don't know enough about either of them to really be able to pick between them.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Herpstat intro +

Pros:

• $109
• Dimming Style Proportional
• Multiple layers of safety features including a safety relay that will cut power to the unit if it fails (prevents the thermostat from getting stuck in the "on" position)
• Soft startup (slowly ramps the heat to the set temperature to prevent rapid temperature changes)
• Built in night drop with temperature ramping
• Hi/Low temperature tracking with alarms
• Internal resolution of 0.1125 degrees F
• Accurate to 0.9 degrees F
• All settings are stored even after a power loss
• Can be mounted into an incubator for a clean look.
• Easy to navigate menu system

Cons:

• Small screen
• 2pin Edison plugs

VE-200D


Pros:

• Larger screen
• hi/lo temperature tracking
• all settings stored even after power loss
• 3 pin (grounded) Edison plugs

Cons:

• $114.99
• Night drop requires a separate unit
• fewer safety features
• poor menu system

Conclusion:

Both are good units but the herpstat delivers a lot more for less money

[kevinb]

I say go for a herpstat.

[BHReptiles]

I'm going to be purchasing a hovabator after Christmas. I was going to use one for my corn snake clutches so I figured I would go ahead and get it now and then use it for my corn snakes later (I'll have corn snake clutches spring 2014). This allows me to purchase a ready-made incubator for this possible surprise clutch while I work on converting a wine cooler into an incubator in the meantime. With my DIY incubator, I want to run it for months to make sure temps are constant and there are no spikes. However, with a possible clutch coming, I don't have time to do ample testing of a DIY incubator (this female is a Christmas present). Basically, I want to give my clutches the best chance at thriving so I'm trying to think ahead and be prepared.

I say all this to say, can the Herpstat intro + be mounted onto the top of the hovabator? Or will it be too small/large. I like the fact that it can be mounted and I know I need to replace the wafer thermostat on the hovabator with something like a Herpstat or VE. Do you think it will fit on there?

I apologize for all the questions. I just want to make sure I'm getting the right thermostat for my incubator.

[Jacob Wait CVP]

Herp stat last I checked was on back order. Got my 200d less than a week after ordering.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Herp stat last I checked was on back order. Got my 200d less than a week after ordering.

They haven't been backordered for awhile now plus there are multiple websites that sell herpstats.

That said the guys over at reptile basics are great. I order all sorts of reptile stuff from them. Super fast responses/shipping

[The Serpent Merchant]

I'm going to be purchasing a hovabator after Christmas. I was going to use one for my corn snake clutches so I figured I would go ahead and get it now and then use it for my corn snakes later (I'll have corn snake clutches spring 2014). This allows me to purchase a ready-made incubator for this possible surprise clutch while I work on converting a wine cooler into an incubator in the meantime. With my DIY incubator, I want to run it for months to make sure temps are constant and there are no spikes. However, with a possible clutch coming, I don't have time to do ample testing of a DIY incubator (this female is a Christmas present). Basically, I want to give my clutches the best chance at thriving so I'm trying to think ahead and be prepared.

I say all this to say, can the Herpstat intro + be mounted onto the top of the hovabator? Or will it be too small/large. I like the fact that it can be mounted and I know I need to replace the wafer thermostat on the hovabator with something like a Herpstat or VE. Do you think it will fit on there?

I apologize for all the questions. I just want to make sure I'm getting the right thermostat for my incubator.

I haven't seen a hovabator first hand so I can't say for sure but I don't think so. (the herpstat intro + doesn't have to be mounted into the incubator, I just think that it is nice that it can be if your cage/incubator allows for it)

[BHReptiles]

I know it doesn't have to be mounted, I just like that feature.

As far as availability, I know The Bean Farm was back ordered for awhile, but I think that's fixed. However, they don't sell the Herpstat Intro +, just the Intro. I'll have to shop around and see who even sells the Intro +


And I love Reptile Basics! I'm going to be getting some hides and vermiculite form them after Christmas too!