Thermostats

[butterballpython]

I have three ball pythons and am currently using Zoo Med thermostats with UTH’s. I’m looking at upgrading to a tub rack system and a better thermostat.

I’m considering either a Herpstat or one of those stacking thermostats by Vivarium Electronics. The more I look at them, the more unsure I am as to which one would be best. I’d like to have all three cages in the rack on the same thermostat if possible. I also don’t want one that would be unsafe or overheat when it quits working. There are multiple models of each with varying features.

The reason I'm asking on this board instead of calling the places that sell them is that there are some on eBay at fairly decent prices, and I'm sure the seller would recommend whatever he or she is selling if I asked. I want the best one for my situation.

Opinions, please!

[Sauzo]

My vote is for Herpstats. I have 4 of them and they all work great. They have more bells and whistles than the VE ones but also cost a little more but the software on them is upgradable. Dion at Spyder Robotics said you just got to send them in and pay to have them upgrade it and send it back. So that's nice in that your Herpstat wont become outdated when they add new features like the basking light feature.

[butterballpython]

Will all of the Herpstats be able to handle three tubs? I'm interested in one for temperature only, not humidity.

[Sauzo]

Yes, easily. Just have to make sure you have the right wattage. I don't have the specs on me atm but if you look at Spyder Robotics website, they tell you how much wattage each model can handle but regardless, a Herpstat 1 can easily hand enough flexwatt for 3 tubs.

[Eric Alan]

Rack systems typically use one piece of heat tape snaked through each level. That's what makes them so easy to use and so easy to control husbandry in for multiple animals. Any of the Herpstat models would be up to the task, but I'd personally recommend the Herpstat 1 because of the feature upgrades from the Intro versions.

[butterballpython]

Excellent, that's what I needed to know, thanks!

[Neal]

the Vivarium Electronics and Herpstats are both great choices. I think I got rid of my Herpstat because of preference on how it worked.

[butterballpython]

I just ordered a Herpstat 1 and a set of replacement fusees. There was a rumor that there would be a good Black Friday sale, and my bp's have been doing fine on the current thermostat, so I waited until today. They'll probably be even happier once the new one gets here.

I prefer the way the blue one looks.

[PitOnTheProwl]

As much as I like the Red Line Herp, all of my VEs have been running great an I like that I can stack them.

[chakup]

I took advantage of the sale and ordered a redline 2. Figure if down the road I need it, ahem when, the extra spot is there and ready.