Battle of the Thermostats!

[Montypython696]

Okay guys, I'm looking to build my first rack with it looking quite similar to this one: http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showt...-Rack-Complete made by halfdawg. I'm looking at thermostats to keep the heat tape in check and was wondering on what your opinions were on these two. http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...al-thermostat/ and http://www.reptilebasics.com/ve-300. I really don't know a whole lot about them so your opinions will be valued tremendously.

[interloc]

My opinion.

You can't go wrong with the big 3:
Helix
Vivarium Electronics
Spyder Robotics

I have 2 ve200 models and I love them. The reason I got these is they are available to me locally.

Spyder robotics herpstats have been a favourite of everyone for years. Can't go wrong.

Helix is an awesome thermostat but has no bells and whistles. There are some safety features built into the other ones that the helix doesn't have. I would choose the other 2 before a helix.

[charlene.payne]

We strictly use Vivarium Electronics. I can't say that I can compare my experience since I have only used one thermostat. But I can say that they work so good, I haven't had to consider another.

I really like the VE thermostats. They work well and heat about any size rack. We also have one that is running our homemade incubator. I have no complaints and I feel they are very reasonable price wise.

[FireStorm]

I love our Herpstats (Spyder Robotics).

[Rob]

Can't beat herpstat! Helix isn't bad for a simple set up either.

[Montypython696]

I want to make my rack look as close as possible to the one made by halfdawg, just with 41 quart tubs instead of his 32. So with 6 shelves and roughly about 4 feet per shelf, how would I go about heating all 6 with the heat tape? I've never used it before, I do know I need use extra wires to "turn on" the heat tape, but how can you connect them all to one thermostat? I'm looking at the THG heat tape from reptile basics, as well as the THG heat wire/clip/insulator kit. I would need 6 of those to run the full rack.

[Montypython696]

And now I'm looking at this one http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat1Basic.html what do you guys think of this one? It's by far the cheapest I've looked at.

[PitOnTheProwl]

I can and will stick to your original question
#1 the Helix is nice and a god stat, mine is going on about 4 years old I think with no problems.
#2 the VE would be my choice, I currently have several of the VE-200s and they are running great. I got my first one right when Rich released them. Total best bang for the buck hands down in my mind.

I have some of the new heat tape but I haven't had time to build my next 41q rack so it is not in use yet. Then again, I do trust Rich to deliver a good product. (That means a lot to me and "trust me" it takes a lot for me to say that too)

Now you asked a question that "YOU" need to research on your own as well because it is possible the worst question that gets asked here.
You know opinions, everyone has one and most of the stink.

[DooLittle]

Personally, I prefer herpstats.

[Mike41793]

I have a VE-200 and a herpstat 2. The herpstat looks way cooler, i'd go with that.