Thermostats?

[blo0]

Ok this is my first post kinda been lurking in the shadows and finally decided to come out. I am interested in a thermostat and have done a lot of research and will make my choice based on what the more experienced have to say. Please help me by telling me what the difference in a "proportional" vs. "on/off" and anything else i will need to know. thanks a million to all

[neilgolli]

BloO, a proportional thermostat is always "on". it regulates the current going to your heat source to keep a constant temp. They can be programed to the 10th of a degree normally.

A "on/off" such as a ranco is exactly that, its basically full throttle then off until it cools down again to where you have it programed to be and it then turns back on.

I use rancos. My incubator is on a dual ranco and the reason is that if my power were to go out, when I tested the ranco vs a herpstat on my generator I had issues with the proportional. It would simply cycle on and off as it was not clean enough power to stay at the tenth of a degree it was programed to. The ranco is on or off, it did not really care about the power and ran perfectly on the generator.

[APBTOwner]

I own two types.

For basic plug-and-use, I own Helix DBS1000.

When I need better functionality, I use Spyder Robotics Herpstat Pro Bundles. What the Herpstat Pro allows you to do is amazing. I own 3, soon to be 4. If you have $350-400 to spend per thermostat get the Pro.

These are the only two types of heat control I use.

[littleindiangirl]

We own 3 Ranco's for the rack and a Helix that's still in the box that will be in the incubator. Our rack is in a very warm room and provides a hot spot when they want it. The helix seemed like a good choice for incubating to avoid any drop in temperature to kick back on. We are happy with 3 of our Ranco's and the helix is always rumored to very good.

[PythonWallace]

I have 2 Herpstats and a Helix. I like the Herpstats better. The features and ease of use are great.

[Kristy]

I have a Ranco, that replaced the old Repti temp thermostat. It does its job, and I have never had any problems with it. However, I would love to get a proportional t-stat and will probably go with a helix when I do.

[Argentra]

Well, I currently have one Ranco, one Johnson, and about 4-5 ReptiTemp 500Rs. I use the higher quality stats on my BPs and the lower ones on my corns. I have so many right now because everyone is in different rooms due to QT. The Reptitemps do their work, that's all I need them to do. Yes they fluctuate, but since corns don't need spot on temps, the cheapy stats are fine.

Someday, yes I would like to own a proportional for my BPs (once they're both in the same place). Most likely a Herpstat...and someday a Herpstat II for warm and cool sides. But getting even the normal herpstat is going to take quite a while...

[West Coast Jungle]

I use 2 Herpstat Pro's for my racks, incubator and ambient room temps(400watt heater) i also have 3 Rancos that I use for my quarrantines and a backup up room heater(1500 watt heater). I keep my back up heater a few degrees below the other heater in case the 400 watt cant keep up(cold snap) or breaks.

I used to use only Rancos but once you go Herpstat you will never go back.

[APBTOwner]

I use 2 Herpstat Pro's for my racks, incubator and ambient room temps(400watt heater) i also have 3 Rancos that I use for my quarrantines and a backup up room heater(1500 watt heater). I keep my back up heater a few degrees below the other heater in case the 400 watt cant keep up(cold snap) or breaks.

I used to use only Rancos but once you go Herpstat you will never go back.

Thats what I'm talking about. Sounds like you have your heat and back up planes down pat.

I too agree on the Herpstat.

[starmom]

I have Helix's and Herpstat II's. I have a Helix hooked up to the QT rack and a Helix for the boa cage. I have a Herpstat II running racks and cages for the balls. I have a Helix ready to go for the 'bator for next season and I have a Herpstat II in the first aid kit so if anything glitches, I'm ready!