Why is this digital thermostat so cheap?

[Anya]

Sigh...guess I should have done that. Sorry! But thanks for the input.

[Cendalla]

i bought one off of amazon.com they sent it i couldnt get it to set the temp right so i called the main office and they mailed me another one no problems out of it if thats all you can afford then its a great deal.

I like it when they are willing to help. Makes you feel better about the product too.

I haven't used them before. I'm going to try the one that Reptile Basics is pushing. I think with what you have for spending, though, than thats your thermostat.

[Homegrownscales]

I have one going. It took a little tinkering. But it works pretty well. For 30$ shipped I really can't complain.

[mdfreak2]

I like it when they are willing to help. Makes you feel better about the product too.

I haven't used them before. I'm going to try the one that Reptile Basics is pushing. I think with what you have for spending, though, than thats your thermostat.

yea they had it here it like 2 days too so that was great i set it at 89 and it keeps it right about 87-88 so it works great. i would recommend if thats all the money u can afford at the time.

[LizardPants]

I have a Herpstat ND, a Herpstat, and the Hydrofarm. Also, years ago had the Big Apple Herp proportional (the big white one).

I LOVE my Herpstats, but ended up picking up a Hydrofarm as a temporary measure because of waiting on a slow to ship vendor, and where I live they are sold locally. That said, I have no complaints with the Hydrofarm, it is what it is.

[Skittles1101]

Anya, I use that but I only recommend it for temporary use. I'd save the money and get a Ranco or Johnson for 50 dollars more...

[Inknsteel]

I've heard good enough things about the Hydrofarm that I'm thinking about picking one up to replace my 500R, not that I've had any issues with that one, but the digital display would be nice to have. If your budget is around $30, I'd say that looks like the best bang for the buck. I'd go for it...

I understand that Johnson and Ranco may be better, but when the OP has clearly stated that $30 is about her max budget right now, I can't say that telling her to save an extra $50 or $60 (essentially TRIPLING her stated budget when she's explained that she doesn't have a job right now) is very constructive or helpful...

[TheWinWizard]

I have one I use on my Cal King and it works very well, haven't had a problem with it at all. You should also get a infared thermometer so you can get a good surface temperature. Here's a link for one. http://www.amazon.com/Temperature-In...5919018&sr=8-2

[kitedemon]

I am going to chime in I have never used one but checked the specs The ranco and johnson as well as the hydrofarm have the same specs on the probe. +/- 1ºC (about 2ºF) What that means is that when you set your temps just keep in mind it could be higher or cooler by 2ºF they also shift 1 degree from the set point so think 3ºF up or down. Just plan your temps to still be with in a 'safe' range. Ie 91ºF (88-94ºF)

[Skittles1101]

I should have been more clear about what I meant. At the moment you have a dimmer, which is great too if you have the time to check the temps multiple times a day. $30 is your budget right now from what I understand. I don't see much of a point of spending the $30 on the hydrofarm, which is okay as far as cheap thermostats go, when you have a dimmer. You could keep the dimmer for another 6 months, save your $30, save up money however you do (someone mentioned you don't have a job, but maybe help your parents out around the house?) and for $60-$80 you can get a thermostat that will last you years. Once the probe on the hydrofarm goes, you have to replace the whole thing, then that's another $30 for another one. I've only had mine for about 2 months and I don't know the life span of the probe, so I can't help you there.