Must have long-term equipment/Thermostat

[D-.No]

I’ve decided to put a UTH on Roxy enclosure to control the cool side as I realize winter is a coming and I’m going to need reinforcements.
As this is just a temporary fix before I move and get a proper 4 x 2 x 2 acrylic enclosure I was wondering does any of you experienced owners feel that if you could do it again he would invest more certain equipment.
I feel more comfortable buying a $300 thermostat with two probes if this is some thing that I’m going to need for the lifetime of my serpent or at the very least the lifespan of the thermostat. Rather than to keep spending $40-50 on stuff that I’m never going to use again or donate to my local pet store.
Very unlikely I will have more than two or three reptiles when I’m in a permanent home but just in constructing this makeshift tub(s) I’ve spent more then I did for my fancy BP.
Feel free to mention stuff like furniture choices and cleanest/healthiest substrates as well.
I definitely did not anticipate Roxanne growing as quick as she did as I had to toss out and change a lot within the first month.



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[Homebody]

If you've got hundreds of dollars burning a whole in your pocket, a Herpstat 2 would be a good investment. So would a ProHeat radiant heat panel.

[Malum Argenteum]

If you've got hundreds of dollars burning a whole in your pocket, a Herpstat 2 would be a good investment. So would a ProHeat radiant heat panel.

Alternately, if you're on a tight budget and plan to be for some time, a Herpstat would be a good investment. They don't fail (and so don't need to be replaced), and if they did they are repairable by the manufacturer (I had a screen go out on one of mine and they offered to send me a screen and instructions or fix it for me; I chose the former and it works great). They also have a decent resale value.

Since you think that your collection might increase, a Herpstat 4 would be an even better idea. I like the interface on the 4 much better than the 2 as well.

I initially started out with VE thermostats, and over time -- as the VEs broke, and also when Herpstats went on sale (they used to run 10% off every fall, but I don't know that they've done that recently) -- I've replaced them with Herpstats and relegated a couple VEs to the QT room. So buy the best first, is my advice.

For furnishings I'm a big fan of cork bark (tubes and flats). As for substrate, I think that's a personal choice to a large extent. There is such a balance of cost, ease of use, visual appeal, how the snake reacts, etc -- and everyone will weigh those factors a bit differently. You can also try one and ditch it for another pretty easily. I've been using Repti Chips, but I'm thinking of trying Jungle Mix with some microfauna in it.

[D-.No]

Yeah the Herpstats seem like an awesome design but maybe it would be wise to wait If I decide to add another cold blooded friend.
I also have a fair amount of electronic/studio equipment in storage so less cables and gadgets in view outside the music room is a must.

Next time I visit my local reptile shop I’m gonna stick my head and take a wiff of the assorted substrates in use. I will have to be careful they have some gigantic geckos that I am much more cautious around then even their male frilled dragon.

I have a very sensitive sense of smell along with a compromised immune system so clean smelling and easy to maintain is very important to my well being.

Aspen is great but I do understand the downside many people feel for a tropical species like Royals. Also as serpents go I seem to lean toward tropical species, lizards I prefer desert dwellers as pets/captives.


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[Harri]

From day 1:
PVC enclosure
Pro products RHP
SpyderWeb Herpstat 2