Need information on different types of digital thermostats ( reptile ones, seed ones)

[ontariosnakelover]

Hey guys, just need some knowledge on thermostats that isn't just stuff Googled up. Sometimes I like talking to real people .
I don't currently want to spend a bunch on a high end thermostat for plugging into heat tape/ heat mats for my snake rack and other enclosures I have that I want to switch from lamp to under tank heat.
I've seen plenty of people say that simple thermostats used for heating seedlings or plant mats work just fine as long as it's in the temperature range specified . Is it that easy? You know, those simple boxes with the on off button, the set button and the up and down buttons with digital screen, and a single probe a few feet long. I know people and hear others talk about using them but I would like other opinions. There are so many thermostats out there and it can get confusing. If I'm only heating a couple small mats or squares of heat tape, should it be ok to use these 15 to 30 dollar ( canadian ) thermostats? If I had a big professional type snake rack, then I'd probably get something more high end, but right now I'm not.
Thank you and all opinions and constructive criticism welcome!!

[Lord Sorril]

While not digital: I have been using a bunch of ReptiTemp 500R thermostats (on/off) for more than a decade on heating elements that I consider non-critical to have a level of temperature fluctuation. I see about a 5F swing in temp while using these--they are not nearly as good as my more expensive proportional thermostats which keep the temps. stable, but, they do provide a level of control.

As for issues with the 500R: The little sticker that marks the 'intensity' on the adjustment knob invariably falls off over time. I scratch a notch into the knob (for reference) where I consider the temp. to be within a stable range for a particular configuration.

I think the 500R thermostats can still be purchased relatively cheap on Ebay.

I know some big breeders personally that rely heavily on Jumpstarts (dozens of them), but, I have no experience using them.

[Cheesenugget]

I use the cheap thermostats like iPower, Century (sold also for plants) and Zoo med for quarantine purposes or temp use. While it still operates for several years, and I have like 3-4 of them and they all have yet to fail, I don't recommend them long term. The reason being is should your thermostat fail, and it eventually will, you run the risk of your snake(s) getting burned. It has less to do with owning a professional rack or enclosure but more to do with the safety of the animals residing in there.

I use Herpstat for the rest of my collection. You are not just paying for a peace of mind, Herpstat provides a security system where if the temperature goes above or below the designated temps, it will alert you right away. The noise will continue until the temp is addressed or it will shut off on its own. Also, imo, the temp is also more accurate compared to the cheaper thermostats (i.e. putting in 90F will get me about 88F on the glass for a Herpstat, but I have to increase up to 94F to get the same 88F for the cheaper thermostats). Herpstat (depending on model) also offer other options like dimming/on or off, humidity control, lower the temps to mimic nightfall, etc... I think they recently added a new model where you can control temps remotely. If you can wait for Black Friday, they usually have a sale around Thanksgiving.

[Erie_herps]

I use inkbird, their $10 models I use for incubators and the $20 ones I use for racks. If you're worried about it you could always double the thermostats (one plugged into another).

[ontariosnakelover]

I've never thought about plugging one cheap one into another. It sounds legit but in my head it feels wrong haha

- - - Updated - - -

Thanks guys. I'll still keep reading this is more people have opinions until I make my decisions

[Erie_herps]

It sounds weird but it works great. If you plug one thermostat into another and the heating element into the first one and set the first one to the actual temperature and set the second one to a temperature too hot but not a dangerous level (a few * higher), ideally it's never used but it's a good backup in case the first fails.

[Zincubus]

It sounds weird but it works great. If you plug one thermostat into another and the heating element into the first one and set the first one to the actual temperature and set the second one to a temperature too hot but not a dangerous level (a few * higher), ideally it's never used but it's a good backup in case the first fails.

Sounds interesting.

Can’t decide if it’s sheer genius or mad scientist stuff so I’ll let someone else try it first


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