ZooMed ReptiHeat Rheostat?

[Inarikins]

I've been looking at thermostats and I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble it looks like it could be. There's no actual temperature setting, just low, medium, and high. Unfortunately, ordering a rheostat online is not an option as even though my parents are not stopping me from having a snake, they're not letting me use my credit card online and my dad refuses to use his and let me pay him back.

The ZooMed one is the only kind I can find in town for reptiles, so it's that or a thermostat used for indoor heating and the like. Should I fuss with the ZooMed 'stat or use a temperature programmable one that's not designed for reptiles? I have plenty of time to get the ZooMed one just right.

Regardless of what one I go with, it'll be replaced with a Helix or a similar quality herpstat.

[snakesRkewl]

I would go with the zoo-med rheostat until you can figure out how to get a thermostat sent to you.

[RichL]

I don't have a zoo-med, but I do have a dimmer (check DIY section). They work just as well imo and a little bit cheaper most likely ( about 10-12 bucks ), just takes time to dial in. The problems with them is that if the ambient temp changes, the dimmer doesn't automatically adjust to account for that.

They do work, and are acceptable as long as you check them a couple times a day. I usually check mine at least twice, usually when I wake up, and again before I go to bed. I am planning on getting a couple of t-stats as well, just been a bit tight on cash lately and these keep me from cooking my collection =)

[Annarose15]

You an purchase a Herpstat online with Paypal (alternative to using a credit card directly) at www.spyderrobotics.com. This may not be the cheapest option, but they are incredibly reliable. I don't consider a rheostat/dimmer that I have to check multiple times a day a safe option for my snakes, but I guess it's better than nothing.

[RichL]

Yea the dimmer isn't the best option, but it does work. Once you have it dialed in you don't have to touch it as long as the room temp stays the same. I have central heating and air with a digital thermostat so my temps stay within a couple of degrees in my apartment. So while I do check them a couple times a day, I haven't made an adjustment in over 2 weeks =)

[Inarikins]

You an purchase a Herpstat online with Paypal (alternative to using a credit card directly) at www.spyderrobotics.com. This may not be the cheapest option, but they are incredibly reliable. I don't consider a rheostat/dimmer that I have to check multiple times a day a safe option for my snakes, but I guess it's better than nothing.

You still have to have a credit card to get a paypal account and I've tried to talk my dad into letting me do that but it won't work. You wouldn't know it reading this, but I'm going to be 20 in a month and I'm not allowed to use my own money to buy things online. I'll finally be moving out soonish and I'll make sure I have enough money to buy a proper thermostat as soon as I get the chance. I don't mind checking temps more than one time a day and once I get it perfected, it should be okay until summer rolls along and the house heats up.

[spud6]

ever think about trying a greendot card or one of the other prepaid cards just put ur money on it buy it on line and never worry about using ur dads card

[The Serpent Merchant]

Yeah go to Walgreens and buy a visa gift card. Then use said gift card to buy a thermostat online. I highly recomend herpstats.

[Evenstar]

I don't have a zoo-med, but I do have a dimmer (check DIY section). They work just as well imo and a little bit cheaper most likely ( about 10-12 bucks ), just takes time to dial in. The problems with them is that if the ambient temp changes, the dimmer doesn't automatically adjust to account for that.

They do work, and are acceptable as long as you check them a couple times a day. I usually check mine at least twice, usually when I wake up, and again before I go to bed. I am planning on getting a couple of t-stats as well, just been a bit tight on cash lately and these keep me from cooking my collection =)

x2!

Yea the dimmer isn't the best option, but it does work. Once you have it dialed in you don't have to touch it as long as the room temp stays the same. I have central heating and air with a digital thermostat so my temps stay within a couple of degrees in my apartment. So while I do check them a couple times a day, I haven't made an adjustment in over 2 weeks =)

I also check mine often but haven't made an adjustment in nearly a month.

Yeah go to Walgreens and buy a visa gift card. Then use said gift card to buy a thermostat online. I highly recomend herpstats.

Totally agree with the giftcard idea. But the rheostat WILL work as a temporary solution.