No, you don't need both. You only need one or the other. The thermostat is the preferred option as it will either turn the UTH on and off to maintain your desired temp, or a proportional thermostat will limit the current going into the UTH to keep it at a consistent temp. A rheostat works similarly to a dimmer switch. It will lower the current going into the UTH. The problem with a rheostat is that it's only accurate in rooms that keep constant temps. If your external temps fluctuate, your internal will also, so a rheostat requires a lot more checking and tweaking...
I read something about someone using both just in case their thermostat malfunctioned. I don't remember the section it was posted it, but it was on here. I think they plugged the dimmer into the thermostat. I forget the details.
I read something about someone using both just in case their thermostat malfunctioned. I don't remember the section it was posted it, but it was on here. I think they plugged the dimmer into the thermostat. I forget the details.
You would not use a rheostat as a backup unit. You can use an on/off type of thermostat (Ranco or Johnson) as a backup for another thermostat. Set the backup unit to a temp a few degrees higher than the main unit. If the main one malfunctions then the backup will keep it from frying your animals.
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Originally Posted by JayBP
