What kind of thermostat do you use?

[kasmir]

I've done some research on them & still a bit confused. Can they control more than one heat source? What brand is the best & has reasonable prices? I've found a Zoo Med Hygrotherm on ebay for about $70, is this a good price? Thanks!

[Sarin]

If you're going to spend $70 I suggest going a different route and go with a Johnsons or Ranco thermostat. Very reliable.

I've been using the Zoo-Med 500r but it isn't cutting it. Just ordered a Herpsat yesterday and I am super excited. Only about $140 shipped. Well worth the added security.

Most thermostats can only run one heat source at a time. (same temp.) Say you needed to control two racks that require a different heat level, you will need two thermostats OR go with Herpstat II or PRO. (II = 2 and PRO = 4 different probes)

[unspecified42]

I use a Helix DBS-1000. They can control more than one heat source, you just need to get a power strip to get them all wired. LLLReptile supply has them advertised @ $130 right now.

[cinderbird]

i have a helix and a johnson control. i recommend both but i LOVE my helix.

[Mitch21]

I used a Repti 500r for my first year in the hobby. It worked well, but I didn't like how it would vary 2 degrees +/- from the set point. Last year I picked up a Herpstat Pro and absolutely love it! Herpstats are definitely nice products!

[Blue Apple Herps]

Herpstat Pro FTW!!!

[kasmir]

If you're going to spend $70 I suggest going a different route and go with a Johnsons or Ranco thermostat. Very reliable.

I've been using the Zoo-Med 500r but it isn't cutting it. Just ordered a Herpsat yesterday and I am super excited. Only about $140 shipped. Well worth the added security.

Most thermostats can only run one heat source at a time. (same temp.) Say you needed to control two racks that require a different heat level, you will need two thermostats OR go with Herpstat II or PRO. (II = 2 and PRO = 4 different probes)

Thanks! Now I've heard of the Johnsons & Ranco, but from my understanding you need to wire them up yourself to your heating sources? Not sure if I feel comfortable doing that. I only have have BP at this time & don't plan on getting any more. I know the Herpstats are pretty expensive & useful for ranks, but I only need something for my one 20L tank.

[Vypyrz]

If you're going to spend $70 I suggest going a different route and go with a Johnsons or Ranco thermostat. Very reliable.

I've been using the Zoo-Med 500r but it isn't cutting it. Just ordered a Herpsat yesterday and I am super excited. Only about $140 shipped. Well worth the added security.

Most thermostats can only run one heat source at a time. (same temp.) Say you needed to control two racks that require a different heat level, you will need two thermostats OR go with Herpstat II or PRO. (II = 2 and PRO = 4 different probes)

Up until today I was using Ranco's as my primary t-stats, but I felt it was time for an upgrade. Today when I got home there were 2 boxes at my door. 1 from Spyder Robotics and 1 from Reptile Basics. So now I'm looking at my new Herpstat Pro and wondering what I'm doing on the internet and not hooking it up...

The Johnson and Ranco are basically ON/OFF thermostats. You program in the desired temp, then set what they call the differential. This is basically setting the range you want the thermostat to come on at and shut off at. So if you set your temp at 91F with a 2 degree differential, the t-stat will heat the UTH up to 93F and shut-off. Then, when the UTH cools down to 89F it will come on and heat it back up again. You can order these pre-wired with a power strip installed for about $80.00 a piece. If you are good with electrical wiring, you can get the basic model for a little cheaper and wire a power strip in yourself. The pre-wired models come with a 6 outlet strip attached so you can technically run 6 different heat sources from 1 t-stat, however, it only has one probe, so it will only measure the temp of one heat source. This means that all of the UTH's would have to be rated at the same wattage or else some will end up too hot and some may not get hot enough. I have found it best to just run 1 enclosure on one thermostat.

The Helix and Herpstat are called proportional thermostats. This means that they always stay on but they automatically adjust the amount of current going to the heat source to maintain a constant temp. The approximate prices of these are: Herpstat Basic...$109.00, Helix DBS 1000... $130.00, Herpstat II... $220.00, Herpstat Pro...$325.00.

These are all good thermostats and it's going to basically come down to what do you need? How many do you need? and how much money do you have or want to spend that will help you choose the brand, model, or combination of those that will meet your needs... Hope this helps.

[Vypyrz]

Thanks! Now I've heard of the Johnsons & Ranco, but from my understanding you need to wire them up yourself to your heating sources? Not sure if I feel comfortable doing that. I only have have BP at this time & don't plan on getting any more. I know the Herpstats are pretty expensive & useful for ranks, but I only need something for my one 20L tank.

Based on that, I would suggest a Ranco. They are both essentially the same thing with the same price from different companies. I just think the Ranco looks nicer. Just my opinion. You can order them with the power strip installed here...


http://www.reptilebasics.com/

[West Coast Jungle]

I started out with Rancos and now have a few Herpstat Pros.