Is this a Good Thermostat to use?

[Yaqcubper]

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPR...d_bxgy_k_img_b

I was looking up the Accu Rite thermometer and this thermostat came up. Since I don't have one of those either I'm wondering, is this a good brand?

If not are they any specific ones you guys recommend or have had a good experience with?

Thanks!

[Yaqcubper]

Sorry just saw the other Thermostat thread

[benwallage9]

You will get alot of mixed opinions and this is just my opinion on them from my limited experience. This was the first thermostat I have ever used and still use it. I use to use it on my breeder rack where it controlled about 11 feet of 4 inch flex watt. I just recently upgraded my breeder rack to a ranco but I still use this thermostat for my 3 younger snakes and it controls about 3 ft of 3 in flex watt.

In my opinion its better then rheostats, and better then zoo med, zilla, a-life basically anything else in the $50 and under range. That being said it is a $30 thermostat, it isn't meant for dead on accuracy.

The differential range is about 2.5 degrees I believe, and the temp isn't 100% accurate on the digital read out. I have a thermometer under a tub where I keep my small snakes and its usually 5 degrees higher then the read out on the thermo. I just adjust accordingly. I plan to keep this thermostat and when I build my new rack it will control the heat on that till I get a new ranco.

My overall opinion from limited experience yeah its not bad for the price. Ranco's are better and give you more control herpstats and helix are even better, but not all of us have the $70 to $120 to shell out for a nice thermostat. If you get it keep an eye on it check it daily, (I check mine two or three times a day, where my ranco I check maybe once every other day) and if it starts acting funny get a new thermostat asap. I hope this helps and good luck.

[Tidus10]

you get what you pay for, i wouldn't trust it... i have 3 herpestats and really enjoy them.. i would aim for a high quality thermostat if your going to get one

[Yaqcubper]

Thank you so much for your response. I only have one BP right now and she has a UTH that I want to make sure isn't outputting too much heat (I have cardboard and aspen between here and the glass but you never know). I also use a temp gun to check temperatures on the cool and warm side constantly throughout the day so checking the thermostat multiple times a day wouldn't be a big deal.

And yeah we don't have the money for a stat that's over 100 dollars right now but since I'm only monitoring one thing I was hoping that one would be OK.

If my collection ever gets bigger then I will most likely try to acquire a higher quality one.

[Tidus10]

My overall opinion from limited experience yeah its not bad for the price. Ranco's are better and give you more control herpstats and helix are even better, but not all of us have the $70 to $120 to shell out for a nice thermostat. If you get it keep an eye on it check it daily, (I check mine two or three times a day, where my ranco I check maybe once every other day) and if it starts acting funny get a new thermostat asap. I hope this helps and good luck.

peace of mind is priceless

[Tidus10]

Thank you so much for your response. I only have one BP right now and she has a UTH that I want to make sure isn't outputting too much heat (I have cardboard and aspen between here and the glass but you never know). I also use a temp gun to check temperatures on the cool and warm side constantly throughout the day so checking the thermostat multiple times a day wouldn't be a big deal.

And yeah we don't have the money for a stat that's over 100 dollars right now but since I'm only monitoring one thing I was hoping that one would be OK.

If my collection ever gets bigger then I will most likely try to acquire a higher quality one.

what type of UTH? like zoomed or exoterra? those are fine to just be left on without extra junk involved.. but if i had them in a glass tank, i used a heat lamp, coco husk bedding, and UTH and no worries

sorry i blew up your thread

[Yaqcubper]

No problem!

And I bought the Zoo Med 6x8 one (because I have a 20 gal tank)

[benwallage9]

peace of mind is priceless

Ya it is I still worry about the hydro every time I leave for a night or two

[kitedemon]

what type of UTH? like zoomed or exoterra? those are fine to just be left on without extra junk involved.. but if i had them in a glass tank, i used a heat lamp, coco husk bedding, and UTH and no worries

sorry i blew up your thread

I hope you are not suggesting to use an unregulated UTH with no way to restrict the max temp? That is not good advise if that is what you intended. UTHs get hot especially zoo med and exoterra zilla ones. Only the style designed with limited out put (self regulating) (won't get over 90 under normal conditions) with out some sort of control.

Hydrofarms seem to be a ok unit I have been testing one (really testing it) and have as of yet been able to force it to fail. It as noted is not an accurate unit it cannot be trusted to read temps correctly. The three I have been paid to test read high. What is says the temp is, is wrong. I would not suggest to trust it that way. It also has a longer 'throw' than I'd like myself it seems to be about 5º in total hi to low. That is quite a long way. Glass tanks however don't give up heat quickly and in a fairly warm room will likely work well tubs on the other hand heat very quickly and cool very quickly, so I'd suggest hydrofarms with a single tub set up (direct heat) in a cool room (less than 77ºF) to be a poor choice. Before anyone jumps on me for that make sure you have read my post carefully. I am tired of explaining direct heat and indirect heat warm and cool rooms are not the same.