Flexwatt and thermostats

[SnowShredder]

Here's my dilemma. I've been using a dinosaur cheap thermostat for several years, and it's worked perfectly fine for me. I have that on a 41 qt rack with 11" flexwatt.
I'm in the process of making a 28 qt rack. I'm thinking the 6" flexwatt, or would 11" be fine? (not running it lengthwise)
If I go with the 6" I'm going to need to get another thermostat. What would you recommend? I've heard herpstat, helix, and ranco are some of the best. I'm also not looking to spend a ton of money but I also know a thermostat isn't something to skimp on. I don't need any extras though, just the basics
It would be awesome if there was a thermostat that I could plug 2 diff size flexwatts into but I don't think that's possible right? Because the different size flexwatts have different watt outputs?

So basically, what size flexwatt would you use for a 28qt rack, and what would be your most highly recommended thermostat that isn't overlypricey?

[Coopers Constrictors]

Please don't get flexwatt. Get the THG heat tape. It makes a world of a difference!

Herpstats and Vivariums are great thermostats.

[The Serpent Merchant]

I would use 6" heat tape on the 28qt rack, 11" or 12" would be ok but I personally wouldn't use them on this size rack.

Spyder robotics (herpstats) currently makes the best thermostats available (value for money and features/quality). While the helix use to be the king it is desperately in need of a redesign and really is overpriced for what it is now.

The herpstat 2 would be prefect for you as it is literally 2 thermostats in a single box. It would allow you to control both racks in a single unit. (and it's cheaper than buying 2 separate units)

If money is really an issue the best deal you can get on a thermostat in my opinion is the herpstat intro for $99 it is just as accurate and reliable as the other more expensive herpstats but some of the more complex features have been removed (like the ability to control misting systems)

Here is their product lineup with the features of each: http://spyderrobotics.com/home/products.html

[PitOnTheProwl]

The 11" will be overkill for the 28qt tubs, even though all I use is 11". LOL
You will need two stats so you might as well order them at the same time.
Where you get them is up to you, I personal like Reptile Basics, and recommend them along with their VE stats.

That is a whole nother story and EVERYONE here is going to start with their thoughts on what you need to buy.

I say get the one that has the features YOU want.

[PitOnTheProwl]

If money is really an issue the best deal you can get on a thermostat in my opinion is the herpstat intro for $99 it is just as accurate and reliable as the other more expensive herpstats but some of the more complex features have been removed (like the ability to control misting systems)

Okay, not to derail this but WHO would use this in a rack system?? If everything is set up correct then you shouldn't need misting.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Okay, not to derail this but WHO would use this in a rack system?? If everything is set up correct then you shouldn't need misting.

Which is why I recommended it as you only lose features that you don't really need.

[Jabberwocky Dragons]

I prefer the Herpstat as the primary plugged into a VE 100 as a back-up. Many people choose not too, but personally, we run every rack and every incubator with a back-up t-stat. Regardless of the back-up though , you can't go wrong with either of these two brands as mentioned above.

[kitedemon]

My personal belief is to run the safest possible gear. I would suggest herpstats (not the one basic or intro) as all the other models will shut down based on the users under temp setting. You can choose at what point it will shut off the heat if the probe gets pulled loose.

I personally would suggest flexwatt it runs cooler, there is no need for temps over 100ºF, the sample I have of THG tape is starting to delaminate. If you do use it I would suggest to set the tape correct reading side of the THG tape up not down (copper bus side down) To protect the tape from being pulled apart.

[SnowShredder]

Please don't get flexwatt. Get the THG heat tape. It makes a world of a difference!

Herpstats and Vivariums are great thermostats.

My bad, I do use the THG heat tape from reptile basics. I always thought flexwatt was the same thing and have always called any kind of heat tape flexwatt.
While we're on the topic, what is wrong with flexwatt?

[SnowShredder]

Okay, not to derail this but WHO would use this in a rack system?? If everything is set up correct then you shouldn't need misting.

lol I'm not sure but I saw that as one of the features on a pricey thermostat and I thought the same thing, and that is why I mentioned I don't need many 'extra' features. There was a lot of extra features that I was like ??? I seriously don't need that. I'm guessing that thermostat isn't so much for a snake rack but more for something that requires a very high humidity