What kind of thermostats do you guys use?

[Oxylepy]

And when building a rack system should you put a probe on every set of heat tape or can you just put it on one and then have it control all of them?

Because I'm really thinking of getting a Helix DBS-1000 but putting it on every single set of heat tape would be extremely costly and I'd have to find myself something else.

[dsirkle]

If they are all the same exact things being controlled the results should be the same.

[WizzySRT10]

Johnson Controls

[Wh00h0069]

I use a couple Johnson Controls and Herpstat pro. No you do not have to place a probe on each strip as long as they are all the same thickness and wattage. For example, I have three hatchling racks that are build exactly the same, and have the same type of heat tape. I have one Johnson Controls controlling all three. If you were using two different types of racks; such as, a hatchling rack and a sub-adult rack, then you would need a thermostat to control each type.

[JimiSnakes]

I use Ranco's all the way, but I've heard good things about Johnson's and Helix's too.

I put the probe closest to the middle tub as I can.

For example- I have a stack of 4 (4-tub each) CB-70 racks. They are stacked two high and two long, like a cube. This means the "tubs" are 8 high and 2 long. The probe is place on the right side and the 5th tub up from the bottom.

1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4--this tub has the probe.
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

Hope this helps.

[abhorrent]

I recently purchased a Johnson Controls A419 off of eBay. So nice to not have to check the temp a few times a day and adjust the rheostat accordingly.

[mooingtricycle]

Spyder Robotics herpstat

and Zoo med 500R ( never had a problem with these stats! i love them!)

[JasonG]

I'm using herpstat nd. LOVE it!!!! Very easy to setup and the night drop feature is spot on...

As for probe placement... If you're using it for one rack, just place the probe on the middle shelf on the heat tape. I like to cut a piece of a sample tub that will be used in the rack and place the probe on that, then tape it to the flexwatt...

[AndrewGeibel]

I use a herpstat pro on the enclosures and a ranco for the room. Works great for me.

[Oxylepy]

Hrm, anyone know about the BAH-1000? If it is fairly reliable I may pick a few up and just use one for each shelf.