Herpstat 2 - Page 2

NimbleHand48 · 06-26-13, 02:54 AM

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 · 06-26-13, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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?

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 · 06-26-13, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikoh4792

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 · 06-26-13, 06:42 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-26-13, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NimbleHand48

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 · 06-26-13, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocknhorse

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 · 06-26-13, 08:06 PM

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 · 06-26-13, 08:24 PM

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 · 06-26-13, 08:38 PM

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 · 06-26-13, 08:40 PM

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

rocknhorse76 · 06-26-13, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amadeus

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 · 06-26-13, 08:45 PM

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 · 06-26-13, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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

smy_749 · 06-26-13, 08:51 PM

Im nocturnal.

rocknhorse76 · 06-26-13, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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.