Recommended thermostats?

[Argentra]

I only use the zoomed 500R for my corn snakes and so far so good. I also use them as temporary stats while waiting for the real deal. It's just safer to use at least a Johnson or Ranco.

[tjteach14]

Thanks for the help. The zoomed is working fine for now, but I have upgrades on the Christmas list for this year.

Appreciate the help

[NightLad]

Thanks for the help.
I can get a hold of a zoomed reptitherm 500R. Any word on these? Otherwise I'll look into one of the other suggestions
thanks

I bought a 500R as a temporary unit until I was able to get my hands on a HerpStat. It is fine as a backup, but I'd never want to use it as a full-time thermostat.

I had all the necessary gear for my snake before I bought him at a local herp show, except the thermostat. I figured that somebody at the show would have them for sale, so I confidently marked it on my 'shopping list' and didn't sweat it. Only at the show, after I got my snake (which was on the top of the list, of course!) I discovered that nobody had thermostats! I met a few other people who were looking for them and were none too happy.

Long story short; I contacted Spyder Robotics (fantastic customer support!!!) and was informed that there is only one 'official' dealer in Canada - but he was on vacation until the end of the month. I emailed him anyway and he promised to mail the unit I wanted as soon as he got back. (Greg West cornelsworld.com - more great customer support!)

In the mean time I bought a ZooMed 500R. I really didn't like it. You control the heat output via a little plastic knob without any digital readout, so you have to play with it and use a secondary temp-reader until you find the right surface temp. That in itself is a pain. Then the devise is little more than a glorified rheostat, constantly turning on and off to maintain (roughly) the heat level you wanted in the first place. Sigh.

I was SO glad when my proportional HerpStat unit arrived. *hugs his HerpStat* With the digital output, temp-gauge, and built-in memory in case of power loss, I'm happy as can be.

So, I'd vote for the HerpStat. Gooo HerpStat!

[drew5337]

I got a Helix DBS1000, because I've learned from my other hobbies (expensive rifles) that you never regret buying the best the first time.

[drugaria]

I have Two Zoomed Repti temps 500r and they work fine with my ceramic heaters .About few degrees differential but that is normal . Got them for $9 each at Petco. A lot of people say they are crap but they seem to work good . Hope that helps