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Thermostat for rack system?

Iguanachic

Iguanachic

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I'm building (3) 3 tub racks for my growing leo collections and will be using heat tape for the first time. I am looking for a good solid thermostat to use. I'm not a millionaire but I do not mind spending on something I know I can trust. Any recommendations? Thanks!
 
A Herpstat Pro is a bit overkill for a single rack application, though the basic Herpstat is a great unit. I prefer it over the Helix, though that is probably because I used the Herpstat first. I have one Helix, and it has never given me a bit of problem (except the time it got unplugged, but I can't really blame that on the Tstat, lol).
I've heard of a few issues with Ranco's over the years, but have never used them - a lot of people do though, and with great success.
I like the Johnson Controls A-419, personally. I've been using them for years, and the only problem I ever had was a power strip crapping out - who knew I wasn't supposed to get water in the empty outlet :ack2: (I had moved the rack the strip was under, and left it exposed while feeding. Totally user error...I replaced the power strip, and that Tstat is still in use today).
Those 4 - Herpstat, Helix, Ranco, Johnson Controls - are probably the widest used by serious hobbyists. The biggest factor in narrowing your choice is whether you want an on/off unit, or require a proportional Tstat. The Helix and Herpstat are proportional Tstats, but can be used in on/off mode (not sure WHY one would utilize that option, but its there). The JC and Ranco are strictly on/off.
 
I prefer Herpstat for all of my uses. Seems to be really easy and user friendly, whereas, with Ranco, if you DIY... You had better know what you are doing. Also one thing that I do not like about Ranco, is that when they go out, they are full throttle rather than shutting off.

Harald laid out most all of the popular ones to use. I would suggest doing your research on them all and figure out which is better for you and your needs. Good luck
 
I have several Rancos and one Johnson's thermostat in use and so far haven't had any trouble with any of them. However, I've talked to several people that have experienced "full on" failures with the Rancos, so my future purchases will be Johnson's.
I don't use proportional thermostats for anything. They're fine units, but I'm of the opinion that nothing, even incubating eggs, needs +/- 0.5 degree accuracy in temperature, so they're just not worth the premium price to me.
I have used both Helix and Big Apple proportional thermostats in the past. Twice I had non resettable errors with a Helix. By that I mean in order to get the error to clear they needed to be sent back to the manufacturer. I never bothered and I have them in a box somewhere now.
They actually still worked and controlled the temperature, but just flashed E18 or whatever the error number was and that bugged me.
 
Thank you! I have been ever afraid of the idea of flexwatt and thermostat but UTH's and temp gunning the cages 5 times a day is getting a little old and very time consuming! I will check all four out.
 
I also use Johnson Controls to operate all of my racks, heaters, fans, and AC.

I've been using them for 6 years with NO problems.

I also buy mine from Rich at Reptile Basics.
 
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