thermostat vs. rheostat

[Phreak]

whats the difference? which is "better" or is it one of those comparing apples to oranges things??

[tweets_4611]

I don't know about the thermostats, I don't have one, but I got a rheostat yesterday and so far I like it. I know it's not as temperature specific as a thermostat, but it did cool down my UTH and is keeping it there so far.

[Phreak]

so they'll keep temps steady too? I thought they just turned the uth etc. down. I was wondering since all I can find around me are rheostats and the temps in my room jump around a lot so I wasn't sure if I could use one.
Thanks!

[tweets_4611]

Well, like I said I've only had it since yesterday, so sofar I like it, but I'm not sure how steady they keep the temps, I'm still playing with mine. I would get an answer from someone who has had them for longer before deciding, b/c I'm still learning about them too ^_^

[Phreak]

Yeah I'm still waiting for one of the BP vets to jump in here. I will hopefully be at an expo tomorrow so I'm looking for some advice on which to buy.

[kavmon]

thermostats are the best! brands like ranco,johnson controls, helix and herpstat are the way to go!


a rheostat is basically a dimmer switch, temps will rise and fall with room temps and need adjusting often.

a thermostat like a helix is gold! just set it up and forget it.

imo, helix is the best, ranco is bit less expensive.

helix 130.00 ranco 70.00

vaughn

[Phreak]

I've heard about people having really good results with t-stats that are around $30? Is this common or is this just lucky? The reason for me asking is I'm a bit strapped for cash right now and I don't want to make my future BP have to suffer for it.

[TheDude]

I'm using the Zoomed reptitemp 500r models on my tank and they work well. They dont have a digital readout tho so you need to have some good probe thermometers. Once you get them dialed in its pretty much snap the cover on and dont worry about them. I have used them for about 3 months now.

you can find them online as low as 25 bucks i think, at petco they cost more.

I paid 30 or so for mine i think.

[Phreak]

I'll prob just pick mine up at an expo tomorrow if I can. from what I hear those are the best places to pick stuff up

[tmlowe5704]

I'll prob just pick mine up at an expo tomorrow if I can. from what I hear those are the best places to pick stuff up

most expos won't have the good brand thermostats.