Helix propertional thermostat..

[Ginevive]

I finally got the funds together to buy a thermostat. I have been using Zoomed heatpads on rheostats, but want to go FWatt with a thermostat.
How is this stat? I want something for my 8-rack tub; in the meantime I plan on using this t-stat for the incubator; once the eggs are done, then I would get FW for the tubs, and get another t-stat for next year's incubating season..
Any recommendations for a thermostat shopper? I want to buy from Reptile Basics.

[wildlifewarrior]

I love my helix. I have 5 hooked up and it is cruising great!! It is like an infomercial "Just set it and forget it!"


~mike

[lord jackel]

Either Helix or Herpstat are the best and you won't be disappointed with either. I have both and really cannot tell a difference in the two. If I had to pick just one- I like the Herpstat controls better and the 3 digit readout.

Hope this helps.

[coldbloodaddict]

You can't go wrong with Helix...I've used them for years on my Incubators, Racks and Cages...

[wildlifewarrior]

don't want to pull the thread off too far, how many different enclosures can you hook up depending on the size flexwatt?


~mike

[lord jackel]

don't want to pull the thread off too far, how many different enclosures can you hook up depending on the size flexwatt?


~mike

The standard Helix/Herpstat are both 500 watt units - so since the 3" flex is 10 watts per foot you could run up to 50 feet worth of cages/tubs. Just keep in mind that all the seperate pieces will receive the same amount of power so it is best to keep them all the same length. (ie. 1 foot on each of 50 tubs)

[Ginevive]

This is going to be awesome. I have been using the ZM pads for awhile and they are working good, but I feel like they are getting old and I want to upgrade to what the pros use.
I plan on ordering it when I get home later on

[jotay]

Been using my Helix for about 4 yrs now and love it!
Had it running my 20L tank when I got my first bp, then had it on my AP cage and now my Boaphile rack and it works like a charm.
I know the breeder I got my pastel and albino from uses nothing but Helix also, he swears by them as do I.
I just purchased a back up one when I got my rack. Got it from Reptile Basics and from the day I ordered til it was at my front door was like 2 days. Great place to do business with

Keeps temps in my cages solid and my mind at ease.

[Ginevive]

Now I am a bit confused. I looked up the Ranco on their site, and it holds 1500 watts (the Helix does 500) and has the powerstrip attached; so I would have to buy the strip seperate for the Helix? Not a big deal, but why the huge price dofference? (Helix is $130, Ranco os inly $75?) I just want to learn all about this before buying.

Ranco:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...roductid=16172

Helix:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...roductid=16139

[lord jackel]

Now I am a bit confused. I looked up the Ranco on their site, and it holds 1500 watts (the Helix does 500) and has the powerstrip attached; so I would have to buy the strip seperate for the Helix? Not a big deal, but why the huge price dofference? (Helix is $130, Ranco os inly $75?) I just want to learn all about this before buying.

Ranco:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...roductid=16172

Helix:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/p...roductid=16139

The short answer is that the Ranco is and on/off thermostat. Which means you set a desired temp (say 90 degrees) then you set an offset (say 3 degrees)...then the Ranco will heat up to 90 degrees and shut off completely...it will then allow the flex to cool down 3 degrees to 87 before turning back on to heat back to 90. They work well but made an audible "click" when they turn on/off (annoying if you sleep in the same room)...and are very ineffecient (it is all power or no power). Ranco are industrial thermostats designed for heating/cooling units this is why they have a higher output wattage.

Helix on the other hand is a proportional themostat which means you set a desired temp (say 90 degrees) and Helix will heat up to 90 but then it will then turn the power down to hold 90 degrees...basically it is always "on" but in a very low power mode. The benefit is that the temps stay much more stable...they were designed for use with Flexwatt and reptile care.

I have used Ranco on my racks without issue (as the up/down temps aren't a problem)...but with an incubator rock steady temps are a must (as you know) so a proportional themostat is required.

Hope this helps