Rheostat help?

mango · 08-10-03, 09:50 AM

I need a rheostat and I was told that I could get one at Lowes or Home Depot. This may be true but I dont' know what to look for, what it looks like or how it works to be honest. All I know is that my uth's plug into the rheostat and it keeps them at optimal temp that I choose with a knob. Any suggestions? I've found a zoo med one but it's rather expensive.

08-10-03, 10:08 AM

I'd go with a good commercial one with low fluctuation, even more expensive. They are in the electrical department, ask the clerk to show you, I'm sure there are low end ones when money is a factor(too familiar with that).

asphyxia · 08-10-03, 10:11 AM

I would just make one, I have made about 6 of them and they are all working perfect.

Here:
Wiring a Rhetostat in 5 Minutes. Author: Boidkeeper
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...threadid=15615

Make your own Rheostat! Authors: Katey and Lisa
http://www.ssnakess.com/forums/showt...&threadid=8858

Good luck

Brian

mango · 08-10-03, 10:13 AM

Well how would I go about doing that? lol I don't exactly know what this thing is so I can't know how to make them. I know what it does and that's it.

asphyxia · 08-10-03, 10:15 AM

See my first post bud.

mango · 08-10-03, 10:18 AM

oh sorry didn't show up like that the first time

mango · 08-10-03, 10:19 AM

computer wouldn't take me to either of those pages. don't know why but thanks anyway for your help. it is greatly appreciated. I'll keep trying those links.

MartinW · 08-10-03, 10:46 AM

mango, if the links still don't work go to the first post (by Jeff) in the General Enclosure Discussion forum (The title is "Important: HOW TO: tips from our members"). I tried those links and they worked. Also, you can get dimmers with plugs attached to them at Home Depot, but they cost around $20. It's more expensive than making your own but at least you don't need to do all the work. I found it in the light switches/wall plugs section. Here's a pic of the dimmers from Home Depot so you know what you're looking for (there's two prongs on the other side of the plug, and of course you can plug in those one plug to multiple plugs adapters):

mango · 08-10-03, 04:25 PM

I finally got those links to work and with the combined knowledge of myself and my handy fiance, we are going to attempt it. We've got everything except the metal box which we will get tomarrow. I'll let you know after we finish. Thanks for all the advice!