• Responding to email notices you receive.
    **************************************************
    In short, DON'T! Email notices are to ONLY alert you of a reply to your private message or your ad on this site. Replying to the email just wastes your time as it goes NOWHERE, and probably pisses off the person you thought you replied to when they think you just ignored them. So instead of complaining to me about your messages not being replied to from this site via email, please READ that email notice that plainly states what you need to do in order to reply to who you are trying to converse with.

  • IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!! About the Google Adsense ads being displayed

    =====================
    Posted 08/15/2025
    =====================


    Yeah, I know. They are a pain in the butt. But they pay the bills to keep my server running. Just a fact of life, I am afraid.

    Want to get rid of them? Simple. Just become a Contributor level member or above and they will be gone. -> Please click HERE."

    Is that too much for me to ask of you to keep this site running? Well, sorry about that. I too wish I could get everything for free. But alas.....

    =====================
    Addendum: 01/10/2026
    =====================


    Google Adsense ad revenue for December, 2025 was just $30 over the cost of the lease for the server running this site. So, in effect, the money providing the incentive for me to continue running this site is coming SOLELY from the paid memberships and sponsorships here. Which honestly ain't much....

thermostats.

what thermostat do you use?

  • Total voters
    19
Utta

Utta

HELL is my home
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
6,167
Reaction score
534
Points
0
Age
34
Location
Richfield, UT
Just wonderin what everyone uses. Pros to what you use and cons would be helpful

Thanks!
 
Spyder Robotics Herpstat. Can't say anything negative about the other choices (since I've never used them), but my Herpstats work great, never had an issue with them. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks John, you'll have some karma common your way when i have some to give ;)
 
I use Big Apple Proprotional Themostats (one I've been using over 8yrs) and also have quite a few Habistat brand thermostats (UK brand but I've rewired). Next year I want to pick up a Herpstat Pro. I've heard good things about Helix and have friends that use those, but I don't have experience with it.
 
I have never used Rancos, so I have no comment.

I have one Helix - no real complaints except I don't care for the mounting system.

I have several Herpstats in use - my choice in the proportional Tstat category.

I also have several Johnson Controls A419s - I've used them on racks, cage stacks, my snake room heaters, and (at one time) an incubator. It's my choice in the on/off group.
(*hint* repeatedly spilling water on the power strip will eventually cause it to short out...which may seem like a thermostat failure. This is not a weakness in the design of the A-419; but, rather, human error and a known problem with electrical devices. Replacing the power strip is not difficult, and allows the thermostat and heating device to function properly again)
 
Oh - another plus....the JC A-419 can also be used for cooling; so if you have to cool your critter room during the summer months, you've already got the t'stat you need.

(going to look for that link, now)
 
The spyder Robotics Herpstat Pro is fricking amazing!!
I luv em. built in night drop, % display so you can see how much power your incubator, racks cages are drawing, high/low alarm.etc. and they are "user friendly".
 
Herpstat. No negatives to report. I now have two Herpstat 2's, and recently bought my second Herpstat pro. All of them work just like the day I got them. They all seem to keep heat right where I want it. Very accurate and very easy to use.

I can't say from personal experience, but I have heard a few negative's about Helix's. I started with the Herpstat's and have never looked back.

Good luck :)
 
My only "con" for the herpstat (which goes for any of the proportional t'stats) is that they can't be run on a battery backup device or generator. I think they can IF they are switched to on/off, but that means I have to be there to do it.
 
I have used The herpstat pro, Helix, and Ranco. I really do like the Herpstat, but it is very pricey. I tend to use ranco more than anything due to a few factors.
First, it is less expensive than most others.
Second, It can power up to 1500 watts.
Third, It can be wired to have many more outlets than the Helix and Herpstat.
fourth, the probe is very durable and the cord is long as well.
Last, you can set any differential up to 5 degrees if you would like.

Helix is ok, but I have had many blow fuzes over the years.
 
hhmoore said:
My only "con" for the herpstat (which goes for any of the proportional t'stats) is that they can't be run on a battery backup device or generator. I think they can IF they are switched to on/off, but that means I have to be there to do it.
Click to expand...

Hey Harald, what do mean on/off? Do you mean, power goes out, backup comes on, but t-stat doesn't, so you have to manually turn it on? I'm looking at buying one of those NP (nature power) 1800w solar type generator.

My last years herpstat II has a built in fan I'm guessing, that makes a humming noise for a few seconds throughout the day. Don't remember hearing it a few months back. Got it off the surface so it can stay cool underneath, but still doing it.
 
Back
Top