Hydrofarm thermostat

[Ivanator]

Hey guys. My thermostat started showing the E2 warning. I know this means that something is wrong with the heat sensor but I can't find anything on how to fix it. Your advice is needed. Thanks guys!

[EL Ziggy]

[QUOTE=Ivanator;940756]Hey guys. My thermostat started showing the E2 warning. I know this means that something is wrong with the heat sensor but I can't find anything on how to fix it. Your advice is needed. Thanks guys![/QUOTE

Besides unplugging and reconnecting everything I'm clueless. How long have you had it? Can you exchange it for a new one? Worst case scenario is another $35 investment. Best wishes.

[pet_snake_78]

I would order a new one. I also would not trust a hydrofarm especially or any thermostat without using a second as a backup. All electronics are going to fail at some point and when they fail open, it can start a fire or overheat your animal.

[Ivanator]

Thanks guys. Ya I have tried unplugging it but it's still there. What brand would you recommend? I've had this 1 for almost 2 years now. It's the only kind I've used. Have it on all my cages since it's cheap

[EL Ziggy]

I've used hydrofarms for a few years without any problems either. Sometimes they just have to be replaced. I've also heard great things about herpstat and vivarium electronics but they are a tad more expensive.

[pet_snake_78]

You can just buy two hydrofarms and plug one into the other, set one higher as a backup in case of a runaway thermostat. Or you can combine a herpstat for more precise control and use a hydrofarm as a backup.

[Ivanator]

Hmm never heard of plugging 1 thermostat into another. Sounds interesting but I think I'll just buy a new 1. Maybe a few as backups since I have multiple cages

[sharthun]

Like EZ said, my hyrofarms work great.I've had 4 of them for over 2 years with zero issues.

[Ivanator]

Ordered 3 last night. Hopefully they'll get here soon

[Derek1]

Ordered 3 last night. Hopefully they'll get here soon

Where from and price?

[sharthun]

Where from and price?

In ordered my last ones here:

Hydrofarm MTPRTC Digital Heat Mat Temperature Controller 6" at EssentialHardware.com (http://www.essentialhardware.com/hydrofarm-mtprtc-digital-heat-mat-temperature-controller-6-147951.html)

Amazon also has them:

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416365292&sr=8-1&keywords=hydrofarm+thermostat&pebp=1416365306364

[Derek1]

Thanks! I ordered the Amazon one a few days ago on my Prime and got it today. Trying to figure out how to run the probe through the lid.

[sharthun]

Thanks! I ordered the Amazon one a few days ago on my Prime and got it today. Trying to figure out how to run the probe through the lid.

I used a drill bit a little larger in diameter than the probe and sealed with hot glue.

[Ivanator]

I ordered from Amazon. I build my own cages so i just drill a hole in the side but you could probably cut a small hole in your lid to fit the probe through

[millertime89]

I've used probably a dozen of them over the last 3 ish years. Never had an issue. But they're bound to crop up from time to time. I also wouldn't daisy chain them together. Keep the room warm enough that if one fails the animal will be ok until you can get a replacement set up. I always keep at least two on hand, I've got 6 running. Old roommate took the other ones when he moved out. For the price they're hard to beat.

E2 means there's a problem with the temp probe/wire. Probably a short at the base where or it's worn somewhere.

[millertime89]

E2 means there's a problem with the temp probe/wire. Probably a short at the base where or it's worn somewhere.

Which is funny now that I think about it because it's the same one my temp gauge in my race car gives me in the exact same scenario...

[Ivanator]

Do you know if I could hook up multiple heat sources to 1 thermostat? If I could that would be much much easier!

[sharthun]

Do you know if I could hook up multiple heat sources to 1 thermostat? If I could that would be much much easier!

I recommend 1 thermostat per heat source.

[pdomensis]

All electronics are going to fail at some point and when they fail open, it can start a fire or overheat your animal.

Is this really a concern? Even if I put my RHP, CHE, or UTH on full blast unattended during the heat of the summer there's little chance I'd see a temp higher than 110 in the basking area. Considering this is what the vast majority of herp owners do anyway I don't see it as a huge deal. My snake will use another area of the cage if that spot isn't to his liking.

If my thermometer says the cage is getting hot I'd certainly check it out, but having two thermostats in tandem on a single heatsource sounds a bit much to me. I don't worry about this with my room lighting or other appliances. More likely if it fails it will simply stop working, leaving the animal cold until you notice it. Also not a big deal if you glance at the thermometer regularly.