Herpstat 2

[Concept9]

So now that all my little scaly friends are setup nicely. Its time to start up grading there equipment.

I'm looking at buying some Herpstat 2s. I know these can control two heat sources but the info I have been reading is a little vague.

I was wonder if these can control the two heat sources independently. e.g. can I have it monitor my UTH and maintain it at 85F and also monitor my CHE to keep my warm end at 90F ?

[rocknhorse76]

First, why don't you just buy one Herpstat 4? Second, are the heat sources at opposite ends of the viv?

[Concept9]

First, why don't you just buy one Herpstat 4? Second, are the heat sources at opposite ends of the viv?

Both heat sources are at the same end. But I do not want to have my UTH get over 85F because my king snake(s) burrow.

Not all my snakes are in the same room so a Herpstat 4 would be an over kill for a single setup.

[rocknhorse76]

OK, kinda wondered if they were in the same room lol.

As for the heat sources, as long as the probes aren't right next to each other, I'd say you'll be alright.

[Amadeus]

I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price on these...

I use the 30$ hydrofarm ones with no issues.

[rocknhorse76]

I almost had a heart attack when I saw the price on these...

I use the 30$ hydrofarm ones with no issues.

Yeah, they're expensive, but they maintain more constant temperatures and have overheat protection built in.

[Theweinz]

They are expensive, but I love my Herpstat 4. I have an old original Herpstat that blew a fuse or something and I sent it back to Dion who fixed it within a day and sent it back! That is what I like about Spyder Robotics, really stand behind their products. I am saving my pennies for a Herpstat 2 now for my racks. Well worth the price and the gold standard as far as thermostats.

[Terranaut]

If you upgrade and want to sell what you have now pm me with details. I need a couple more less expensive themostats.

[rocknhorse76]

They are expensive, but I love my Herpstat 4. I have an old original Herpstat that blew a fuse or something and I sent it back to Dion who fixed it within a day and sent it back! That is what I like about Spyder Robotics, really stand behind their products. I am saving my pennies for a Herpstat 2 now for my racks. Well worth the price and the gold standard as far as thermostats.

I am considering buying a Herpstat 4 too. The peace of mind knowing it won't fry my snakes would be nice. Not to mention less fluctuations in temperatures. Just have to convince my wallet to part with the $335 lol.

[Theweinz]

I am considering buying a Herpstat 4 too. The peace of mind knowing it won't fry my snakes would be nice. Not to mention less fluctuations in temperatures. Just have to convince my wallet to part with the $335 lol.

Yeah, I know. It is a chunk of change and a wallet can be one tough customer!;)

[rocknhorse76]

Yeah, I know. It is a chunk of change and a wallet can be one tough customer!;)

Would you say that the Herpstats are significantly better than say a Hydrofarm when it comes to keeping temps more constant? Still trying to convince myself that its worth upgrading lol.

[smy_749]

Would you say that the Herpstats are significantly better than say a Hydrofarm when it comes to keeping temps more constant? Still trying to convince myself that its worth upgrading lol.

I have both, and use both. They both do the Job, neither probe is super acurrate but the hydro makes loud ticks, and is a pain to use with lights since its on/off. The herpstat also tells you what % power its at which is nice.

[Mikoh4792]

So now that all my little scaly friends are setup nicely. Its time to start up grading there equipment.

I'm looking at buying some Herpstat 2s. I know these can control two heat sources but the info I have been reading is a little vague.

I was wonder if these can control the two heat sources independently. e.g. can I have it monitor my UTH and maintain it at 85F and also monitor my CHE to keep my warm end at 90F ?

Yes you can use it for two independent heat sources. As long as there is a probe for each heat source you can do it.

That's actually what I do for the winter time. Usually I only have one source of heat but during the winter I'll supplement with either a heat lamp or heat pad to keep the cool side above 74F. This would require two different probes.

The cool thing about herpstat is that it has light control. You can use a low wattage light bulb(I'm not sure if you can use fluorescent.. I'm going to have to try that) and have the herpstat mimic sunrise and sun-fall by dimming the light over time at the time you set it.

[Concept9]

Yes you can use it for two independent heat sources. As long as there is a probe for each heat source you can do it.

That's actually what I do for the winter time. Usually I only have one source of heat but during the winter I'll supplement with either a heat lamp or heat pad to keep the cool side above 74F. This would require two different probes.

The cool thing about herpstat is that it has light control. You can use a low wattage light bulb(I'm not sure if you can use fluorescent.. I'm going to have to try that) and have the herpstat mimic sunrise and sun-fall by dimming the light over time at the time you set it.

Awesome, thanks clearing this up for me. :)

[smy_749]

My herpstat is an older discontinued model and i only use it for heattape. Imo if the new ones do all that (wasnt aware of the sunrise thing) they are worth the money.

[NimbleHand48]

Hi, I was going to post a new thread, but then I saw this one. I am looking at getting a herpstat, but I'm also figuring out specs before I invest. How many different heat sources can you control with one model (say, herpstat2) for racks and such? How is setup, do you have to wire uth's and lights into it, or just plug them in? On hydrofarm thermostats, can you creat min an max temps, or is it one set temp? I was also looking at Ranco systems, does anyone know how they compare as far as setting multiple temperatures, programming, and wiring?

[Mikoh4792]

Hi, I was going to post a new thread, but then I saw this one. I am looking at getting a herpstat, but I'm also figuring out specs before I invest. How many different heat sources can you control with one model (say, herpstat2) for racks and such? How is setup, do you have to wire uth's and lights into it, or just plug them in? On hydrofarm thermostats, can you creat min an max temps, or is it one set temp? I was also looking at Ranco systems, does anyone know how they compare as far as setting multiple temperatures, programming, and wiring?

I have both the hydrofarm and herpstat. You just plug your heat source into them. Hydrofarm is just one set temp.

Herpstat 2 can control two independent heat sources because it has two plugs and two probes.

For racks I use only one thermostat because my rack is using only one strip of flexx watt heat tape. I tape the probe directly on the heat tape under one of the tubs.

For enclosures I use either one or two thermostats(Or one herpstat2) depending on the season. During the Summer I use only one thermostat probe to control a heat pad or heat lamp. During the Winter I use two thermostat probes to control both a heat lamp and a heat pad.

[rocknhorse76]

I have both the hydrofarm and herpstat. You just plug your heat source into them. Hydrofarm is just one set temp.

Herpstat 2 can control two independent heat sources because it has two plugs and two probes.

For racks I use only one thermostat because my rack is using only one strip of flexx watt heat tape. I tape the probe directly on the heat tape under one of the tubs.

For enclosures I use either one or two thermostats(Or one herpstat2) depending on the season. During the Summer I use only one thermostat probe to control a heat pad or heat lamp. During the Winter I use two thermostat probes to control both a heat lamp and a heat pad.

Which one do you prefer? I use Hydrofarms and get about a 4-5 degree swing in hot spot temps, which isn't terrible I guess, but the clicking can be annoying since each snake has its own stat and they're all in my room(I have a huge room....more like a studio apartment in size). Kinda thinking that a single (silent) Herpstat 4 would be nice since I can run all 4 enclosures off one unit. Once I move back up to WA State, the snakes will have their own room and I will use the Hydro's for my Leopard geckos and possibly some other projects.

[NimbleHand48]

For racks I use only one thermostat because my rack is using only one strip of flexx watt heat tape. I tape the probe directly on the heat tape under one of the tubs
How does the flexwatt tape work? I know it comes in different widths and you cut it to length, but other that that I dont know much about it. My husband and I are building a terrarium for a snake, its 5ft x 2ft x 3ft high.

[rocknhorse76]

How does the flexwatt tape work? I know it comes in different widths and you cut it to length, but other that that I dont know much about it. My husband and I are building a terrarium for a snake, its 5ft x 2ft x 3ft high.

Easiest thing to do is a Google search for using Flexwatt, but this should sum it up.
Flexwatt type heat tape a resistive heating element encased in a thin plastic coating. It will have a cord hooked to the conductive strips in it and the cord will plug into an owner supplied thermostat which will either turn power on/off, vary the voltage applied to the elements, or send pulses of power to the elements in order to regulate the output temperature of the heat tape. Flexwatt is generally taped to the bottom of the enclosure on the hot end using aluminum tape designed for high heat applications. The thermostat probe will be installed between the heat tape and the bottom of the enclosure. If you use it on a wooden enclosure, you'll need to cut in a glass or plexiglass panel into the floor of the enclosure in order for the heat to radiate inside effectively. DO NOT use Flexwatt type heat tape (or any heating element for that matter) without a thermostat of some kind.

[Mikoh4792]

Which one do you prefer? I use Hydrofarms and get about a 4-5 degree swing in hot spot temps, which isn't terrible I guess, but the clicking can be annoying since each snake has its own stat and they're all in my room(I have a huge room....more like a studio apartment in size). Kinda thinking that a single (silent) Herpstat 4 would be nice since I can run all 4 enclosures off one unit. Once I move back up to WA State, the snakes will have their own room and I will use the Hydro's for my Leopard geckos and possibly some other projects.

lol I am just imagining the constant clicking of your hydrofarms.

To be honest, I prefer proportional over on/off. It's just more consistent.

I am not degrading hydrofarm in anyway. It is good at what it does, but I find proportional T-stats such as herpstat and helix to be better. I am actually going to get a herpstat 4 too once my plastic enclosures come in.

Right now I only use hydrofarm for supplemental heating. In the winter when I want to have an extra heat pad or radiant heat panel I'll just set it to 77 so the coolside doesn't get so cold. With my primary heat sources I have them on proportional.

[rocknhorse76]

Haha, yeah the clicking pretty much sucks. I think I'm just gonna break down and get a Herpstat 4 within the next week or so. Like I said, the Hydrofarms will get moved to reserve duty and/or other projects.

[smy_749]

I like em both. Hygro has downsides like the clicking and display, but honestly, they both keep the temps exactly where I want them with no issues. The Hygro fluctuates a few degrees before it kicks back in, but thats not a bad thing IMO unless you need it for an incubator.

[rocknhorse76]

It just seems like the Herpstat would cut the power bill down in the long run and also make the heat elements last longer due to more consistent power supply and less heating/cooling cycles.

[Amadeus]

IF people have a problem with clicking then they should take it apart and remove the clicker. el oh el

[rocknhorse76]

IF people have a problem with clicking then they should take it apart and remove the clicker. el oh el

If only it were that simple lol

[smy_749]

Good point rocknhorse. I have the herpstat on my rack and hygro on my gtp so his light is constantly on and off. It def wastes more energy to get back up to temp after being off for a while then at low output %. luckily my apartment is 84 degrees and im not turning on the ac lolllll shaved my head to stay cool today, 8 months of hair goneeeeee

[Amadeus]

Good point rocknhorse. I have the herpstat on my rack and hygro on my gtp so his light is constantly on and off. It def wastes more energy to get back up to temp after being off for a while then at low output %. luckily my apartment is 84 degrees and im not turning on the ac lolllll shaved my head to stay cool today, 8 months of hair goneeeeee

Now you will get hotter in the sun.... One problem fixed, another created.

[smy_749]

Im nocturnal.

[rocknhorse76]

Good point rocknhorse. I have the herpstat on my rack and hygro on my gtp so his light is constantly on and off. It def wastes more energy to get back up to temp after being off for a while then at low output %. luckily my apartment is 84 degrees and im not turning on the ac lolllll shaved my head to stay cool today, 8 months of hair goneeeeee

I keep my room at 78-79 degrees. Makes for a nice 79-81 degree ambient on cool sides for my boas and around 80-82 for the BP.

[NimbleHand48]

Rocknhorse, thanks for the info. Im not sure yet what the bottom of our enclosure will be, but we'll keep those tips in mind.

How do you guys live with it that hot in your house?? I would get heat stroke in an hour or two lol. But I guess maybe thats because I was born in Alaska and now I'm in Utah. Thanks for all the advice and stuff lol.

[smy_749]

I shaved my head, and Walk around in my boxers. Plus I'm half reptile. My mom realized it when she came to my new apt and it was hot as hell, the only furniture was a rack , cage and compute desk, and my freezer only had mice in it hahahah

[rocknhorse76]

Rocknhorse, thanks for the info. Im not sure yet what the bottom of our enclosure will be, but we'll keep those tips in mind.

How do you guys live with it that hot in your house?? I would get heat stroke in an hour or two lol. But I guess maybe thats because I was born in Alaska and now I'm in Utah. Thanks for all the advice and stuff lol.

I'm originally from Eastern WA, but have lived in Vegas for about 10 years. I worked in Phoenix, AZ last summer, where its even hotter and more humid than here lol.

The temps in my house are actually very comfortable for living in Las Vegas. Its going to be 110 degrees today, 117 by Saturday. If I had my house much cooler, I'd pass out as soon as I walked outside!

[rocknhorse76]

I shaved my head, and Walk around in my boxers. Plus I'm half reptile. My mom realized it when she came to my new apt and it was hot as hell, the only furniture was a rack , cage and compute desk, and my freezer only had mice in it hahahah

Wow, I bet the ladies are quite impressed when they see how lavish and climate controlled your pad is lol.

[smy_749]

Wow, I bet the ladies are quite impressed when they see how lavish and climate controlled your pad is lol.

I'm married, and my wife is stuck overseas. Only ladies coming over are my mom and my sister...but they don't come over lol

[rocknhorse76]

I'm married, and my wife is stuck overseas. Only ladies coming over are my mom and my sister...but they don't come over lol

Is she stuck overseas, or just avoiding your apartment? Sorry, couldn't resist hahahaha

[smy_749]

Is she stuck overseas, or just avoiding your apartment? Sorry, couldn't resist hahahaha

Nope, shes stuck. I've been waiting for her paperwork to finish for over a year now. Her and my son, but he just needs an american passport. Thats why I'm here alone :P

[rocknhorse76]

Nope, shes stuck. I've been waiting for her paperwork to finish for over a year now. Her and my son, but he just needs an american passport. Thats why I'm here alone :P

Ah ok. Not gonna ask why they're there and you're here lol.

[smy_749]

Ah ok. Not gonna ask why they're there and you're here lol.

Now I feel obliged to tell you. I need money to support them, gotta get them diapers mang. I also tried to finish my college online (I need summer credits) but one of the courses needs to be on campus so I only went for a few weeks in May and came back. I spent like 8 g's on plane tickets...since august lol

[rocknhorse76]

Sorry man. That sucks.

[smy_749]

Sorry man. That sucks.

It is what it is lol I get to travel alot, so thats always fun. Its not so bad if you can stay busy, which I've been having a hard time doing lately ahaha

Its funny this topic came up, I just recieved my paperwork back from the USCIS saying they cannot confirm it because it was suppposed to be submitted electronically (the lawyer messed up and sent in the hard copies)....1 month down the drain! :angry:

[rocknhorse76]

Lawyers suck....

[smy_749]

Lawyers suck....

Shes an idiot lol I won't be going back to her again hah. Sorry I sort of derailed this thread.