Help choosing thermostat

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RyanMcLaughlin

Help choosing thermostat

Lead

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Posts: 95

(06/27/08 23:34:26)

Forum Chondro Junkie

Hello everyone,
So I currently run a Helix thermostat on my enclosure but am upgrading some of my other tanks and have a question about which thermostat. I have 6 other tanks I will need to control and am wondering if it would be better to buy six individuals or buy one that can control multiple. Looking at the Spyder Herpstat Pro I like the fact that it can control 4 cages at once but am wondering if that is a good idea. I talked to a guy w/ Helix and he brought up the fact that if the one thermostat goes out, then all four cages or screwed. That is a good point but what are the odds of that happening? If you were in my position which would you choose.
Thank you,
Ryan

1.1 Ball Pythons
0.0.1 GTP
1.0 Moon Crab
1.1 Western Hognose

PITDRAGON

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Posts: 348

(06/28/08 02:47:06)

Forum Chondro Junkie

Ray I am running Johnson controls on 20 of my cages they are 55 bucks at your local plumbing supply ,another 10 for cords and are indesructable. they have a pretty extensive menue and a fail safe mode,I love them! I`m running spyder robotics on my incubator for its pin point accuracy. Just my 2 cents

Joey

Last Edited By: PITDRAGON 06/28/08 04:00:32. Edited 1 times.

bsharrah

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Posts: 266

(06/28/08 02:49:56)

MVFonator

Go with Herpstat. What model is the only question in my opinion. Of the six cages, how many are the same size, using the same size heating element? If you have mulitples that are the same size with same size heaters, you can get away with running them all on one probe. I am not suggesting you should but you can, and this provides for some peice of mind should one of your units malfunction. I had the same concern as you when the Pro come out. I did not like relying on one unit. What are the odds of it malfunctioning? Very good...only because nothing lasts forever. Eventually, everything goes bad but based on what I have read on forums, the Helix will probably malfunction before the Herpstat. I am getting ready to purchase my first Pro here soon. I am currently running three Herpstat II's and have been quite pleased with them, and I have heard nothing but great things about the Pro. I do not have any spare t-stats which makes me nervous so I plan to replace two of the II's with a Pro, sell one to offset the cost and used the other for a backup.

My advice to you, get two Pro's. This will give you two additional probes for future use for less than you would spend on three II's or 6 ND's. Should one malfunction, which I doubt will be a concern anytime soon, you may be able to get by with running all six through one Pro until it can be replaced, again, depending on your cage setups.

Bart

bsharrah

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Posts: 267

(06/28/08 02:52:56)

MVFonator

I also agree with Joey's recommendation. The JC's are good reliable units. I had one as my backup but traded it for some dart frogs I just had to have at the time. Not all the bells and whistles as a Herpstat but a good solid product.

Bart

jamey36

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Posts: 48

(06/28/08 05:01:21)

MVF Post Breeder

As stated,you can easily run six enclosures off one t-stat if they are the same size with the same heating device.I use a herpstatII to run a six stack of 48x24x15 cages with 40 watt heat panels.I run all six off of one output from the herpstatII,wich is dual output(700watts per side)and still have the other side for lighting,spare,etc.
Jamey

greg stephens2

Re

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Posts: 1089

(06/28/08 05:15:22)

Forum Ultra Chondro!

I am going to say for the money and what is really needed on just a cage.
You can not go wrong with the JC A419 units.
I have well over 25 of these in use and made NTD switches for about $1.96 each.
The NTD's and manual but I am liking how they are keeping me envoled and I can switch up the temp routine daily with out any program adjustment.
They can be bought prewired direct from JC's parts line and run 1500 watts each.
Not that the wattage really make a huge difference because for what you would spend on a Herpstat or Helix you can have 2 to 6 of the A419's and put one on each cage.
Just my opinion, but btw I am running each cage on it's own stat and thermometer, And am shocked at how different cages right next to each other can be.

Greg

Greg Stephens
gstephens_1@clearviewcatv.net

I lost JB's watch!!!!!

I have big steel pole envy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was told ,"By the way.........plastic is plastic - I've been in the cancer field for 20+ years now and I've never had a patient get cancer from burning plastic!" I had to ask my self what was this guy thinking!!

PITDRAGON

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Posts: 349

(06/28/08 05:42:26)

Forum Chondro Junkie

I am with Greg as well I run all separate T stats . they all run different .The tanks sitting closer to the floor run different that the ones at the top and cage size is another factor. I don`t use night drop at all but you can buy the night switch with timer. You can also get a module to daisy chain them so you only have to plug one into the wall/per stack. this eliminates allot of extra wire (wish this was available when I started this hobby.

Joey

Last Edited By: PITDRAGON 06/28/08 17:36:23. Edited 1 times.

Sony Raju

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Posts: 1282

(06/28/08 07:12:03)

Forum Ultra Chondro!

Ive used the helix brand for many years, but a year or so ago, i purchased my first herpstat by spyder robotics. after using this, i dont think id use anything else. i do like both units, but for controlling heat on more than 1 cage, for the money, the herpstat cannot be beat.

Auston Horst

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Posts: 178

(06/28/08 07:43:29)

Forum Chondro Junkie

Well I don't know that this thread is helping any with all of the different ideas, but I'm a herpstat convert. The major factor for me is the failsafe feature. If the herpstat fails for some reason it shuts off the power to the heating elements and thus saving your collection. Then you just reset the fuze and you are good to go. I don't know about all of them but many thermostats have the possibility of failing in 'on' mode and frying a collection. This has happened to very few people in the hobby but I would rather not be one of them.

-Killer Morelia Keeper-

RyanMcLaughlin

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Posts: 96

(06/28/08 11:16:48)

Forum Chondro Junkie

Well most of them are the same size but they are different snakes w/ different heating needs. I will look into those JC's. Thanks for the advice guys.

1.1 Ball Pythons
0.0.1 GTP
1.0 Moon Crab
1.1 Western Hognose

PITDRAGON

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Posts: 350

(06/28/08 13:31:04)

Forum Chondro Junkie

Ray you are welcome to call me with wiring questions or anything else for that matter. I can get these for you at my supply shop I anm on the lowest pricing because of the volume of business I do there.

Joey 802-362-7125

MegF42

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Posts: 2005

(06/29/08 05:32:26)

Forum super duper Ultra Chondro!

I use Herpstats and I think they are the best out there. Customer service is excellent as well. Can't be beat. The new Herpstat pro can control seperate sized cages and do separate night drops if you want as well. Would be a great choice for someone with different sized enclosures. I have all the same sized cages so my herpstats control 3 at once.

5.5~Cornsnakes
3.4.1~Green Tree Pythons
2.1.2~Amazon tree boas
1.0~California Kingsnake
Assorted: Horses, dogs, and cats
www.Franclycac.com

ITsBUDLUV

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Posts: 48

(06/29/08 08:00:44)

My vote goes to Herpstats, it hasn't let me down yet.

Buddy
the other Buddy on this forum

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