Quote Originally Posted by PitOnTheProwl View Post
They are for ALL heat sources that your retile can come in contact with
Just because YOU couldn't get a stat set up properly sure doesn't mean you tell other people not to use one.
And just for your information the smaller ones can run up to about 120 degrees.

I can take photos for you and I know you have already seen what a good belly burn looks like from an unregulated heat source.
I have treated burns before, so a picture is unnecessary. Please tell me where I explicitly say "Do not use a thermostat". I have said countless times what I do and MY thoughts on the issue.

Quote Originally Posted by Coopers Constrictors View Post
Umm...

A thermostat needs be used to control any kind of heat source, regardless of what the output may be. I think this topic has been beat to death with many documented lessons learned from not properly controlling heat sources. It sounds like you do not know how to correctly install them and thus something malfunctioned, which happens a lot with people that do not read the instructions and do the proper research prior to purchasing and installing a thermostat. Purchasing a good thermostat from the start, such as a Herpstat, Helix and/or Vivarium is a good start... an unregulated heat mat is a recipe for disaster.
Helix thermostat. Instructions followed to the letter, had a friend currently in an electrician internship look it over. Came home to 79F basking spots, used manual to try to correct issue, came back an hour later...no results, threw it in the trash where it belonged (it had been a stressful day in lab and I was not in the mood for bull). Grabbed some hydrofarms the next day and they are currently running to my satisfaction, despite having to replace one a little while ago. The owner of the store I worked at for 8 years had used heat mats, bulbs, etc... without thermostats for his entire 50 years in the business, he had quite the shocked look when I admitted to using them. Now I am about as far from an electrical engineer as you can get, but I am also far enough from an idiot to understand how to push some buttons and place a probe or two.

Either way I doubt the OP appreciates our little spat. If either of you must discuss it further you're welcome to PM me.