Thermostat questions seem to be pretty popular this week...

[blueberrypancakes]

I'm looking for a new thermostat to put in my custom built snake rack (!). The guy woh is building it will set up the heating all ready to go, I just have to supply a thermostat! The one that I have isn't suitable for more than just a simple set up... I'm a little confused after looking at some brands though. The rack will have five tubs. Do I have to get five thermostats? As far as I can tell, they only have one probe. He told me I only needed one, but I don't know which one to get. He recommended a Reptile Basics VE, are any of those suitable for multiple tubs? Thanks!!

[mr.spooky]

there all suitable for multiple tubs whan your only talking 5 or so.. when you get into big racks, some might be more suited than others.. the diference is a thermostat that has a "on/off" function, and one that has a proportional function.
i use both, and both are OK, but i prefer the proportional stats.
back to your question...... its all in how the flexwatt/heat source is wired.
you can wire each tub indovidualy,,, plug a "power strip" into the stat, and then plug each individual piece of flexwatt into that,,,,,,,,or you can "daisie chain" the strips together and use only one plug (directly into the stat).
probe placement varies from who you ask.... i place mine in the middle tub area, taped to the flexwatt.
spooky

[Adam Chandler]

I also recommend the Reptile Basics Vivarium Thermostats.

You will only need 1 thermostat per rack. Since the heating for each slot is connected and outputs the same amount of heat you only need one thermostat controlling it.

If you have any questions specifically about the Vivariums I recommend talking to Rich (since he designed them), he is very friendly and will explain anything you may have a question about: sales@reptilebasics.com

[saber2th]

Like stated earlier, all thermostats will run multipal tubs. Each thermostat is rated on how many watts it will safely handle. So with large racks or multipal racks, you would need to add up the number of feet of Flexwatt and times that by the wattage of the Flexwatt and compare. Proportional are the best (Helix, Herpstat and higher end Viviarium Electronics are) and good on/off's are Johnson's, Ranco's and the VE-100. Any of these will be great for a rack, but I would recommend a proportional for an incubator. When you are ready to get one, just try and plan ahead and get one that will fit your needs if you deiced to expand! Ones with multipal probes will be able to run various things at different temps.

hope this helps,

Dave