thermostats

[cartman89]

So I know that I'm going to need one to regulate temperature.
Am I going to need two uth for both sides of the tank? One to be kept at 80 and the other side at 90? And for thermostat...are these things going to chew up my wallet?? I want a good one but cannot afford one that will be more than $100

[cartman89]

can you use something like this? And how would you do it if so?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100625695

[cinderbird]

can you use something like this? And how would you do it if so?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...ctId=100625695

Those arent usable without serious re-wiring. The thermostats that are used for reptiles have external probes on a line. The one you linked above have internal probes. I dont trust myself to wire anything electric, just plug in flexwat to the thermostat

You can find awesome, pre-wired, ready to use thermostats from rich at reptile basics (www.reptilebasics.com).

Depending on the set up you are using, and your room temps you may not need 2 UTHs. Just one. If its a glass tank, insulating the tank with some foam board will also help keep temps up. Plastic bin type containers are known for their stable temps, but you absolutely need a thermostat with them because if the heating element gets too hot you can melt the plastic and seriously hurt your snake.

[cartman89]

I probably should have asked this FIRST... how is the electric bill when keeping a ball python? Just curious to see if it is about the same with a fish tank

[cartman89]

what about this??

http://incrediblepets.com/product.as...=any&PT_ID=all

[Ed Chisholm]

From what I have read you need to stay away from a rheostat, and get a thermostat. I have two UTH's and two thermostats. The UTH's (ZooMed) were $45.00 each. The Thermostats are Zilla Brand I believe, and they were $49.00. I bought these thermostats and UTH's at Petco before I joind this site, and although they work very well for me I am worried I should have ordered some "better" models. I have a temp-Gun to double check my heat, and all is well. I keep a log and my Daughter documents her feeding, shedding, weight, humidity & temps (trying to teach my daughter responsibility in caretaking).

[cinderbird]

what about this??

http://incrediblepets.com/product.as...=any&PT_ID=all

That is a rheostat, and there are a ton of members that have had a lot of success with them. However, i used to use one and could not for the life of me get the thing to work and keep proper temperatures without almost hourly fiddling. I got myself a johnson controls thermostat from reptile basics and haven't looked back.

Rheostats need VERY stable room temps to work, even the slightest fluctuation could send them into the wrong temperature settings. Personally, i'd say spend a few more bucks, get a reliable thermostat and not have to worry.

As for the electric bill, i don't notice a difference actually. For one snake you probably wont.

[mechnut450]

I probably should have asked this FIRST... how is the electric bill when keeping a ball python? Just curious to see if it is about the same with a fish tank

well mine electric bill goes up about 100 bucks in the winter months, I running a space heater for the room to keep it as close as possible to the minuim temp levels ( about 82 degrees.) other wise of a night i bet the room would go to about 60 degrees. I also house 15 snakes in a single room with plans to possible get a 16 snake( been selling ratsto the local pet shop and he wants me ot purchase the tree boa from them ( the poor guy and the bps ) are in rought shape they can't get the snakes to eat but once every 3 weeks if lucky. these snakes should be weighting in about 900+ grams and I bet they only 500 grams if lucky.

[BeastMaster]

This is almost the same cost as the rheostat, but better I have been very happy in my dealing with this company.

Hope this helps.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/r...ermometer.html

And maybe add one of these as well.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/r...ermometer.html