thermostat

themeyers · 10-30-14, 03:12 PM

I am in the process of converting a glass front mini fridge into an incubator. now I am coming to an interesting point. I have seen a few reviews on a couple of t-stats I was considering that scared me a bit. I used to use helix as a rule and have yet to hear anything bad about them. other than the simplicity of the user interface. that being said I wanted to come here and see what you guys would suggest. Disclaimer, I am at least a year from starting to breed my retics and am in no rush to complete this project. I have made them before and have always used helix and heat tape with a small pc fan for circulation. I am just putting feelers out to see if you could suggest a decent t-stat that is comparable to a helix. thank you for all of the hard work you have put into the hobby so I don't have to trial and error.

**millertime89** · 10-30-14, 04:06 PM

IMO you can't beat a HerpStat. I've got one and love it and will be getting a second one to run my incubator off of. They usually do Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and you can get a pretty decent deal on them. I've never used a Helix though but have heard good things.

**Aaron_S** · 10-30-14, 04:25 PM

I second Kyle's herpstat recommendation. Awesome stuff and Dion at spyder robotics offers amazing customer service. However, sometimes probes can break so buy a second one for any stat you decide on.

I know a couple people still using Helix so they have their merits too. Be confident in buying either.

IW17 · 10-30-14, 08:47 PM

How do you guys feel about vivarium electronics? Figured since the topic was about thermostats I'd bring it up.

**millertime89** · 10-30-14, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IW17

How do you guys feel about vivarium electronics? Figured since the topic was about thermostats I'd bring it up.

Never used them but I know several people whom I trust a great deal that love them.

**Aaron_S** · 10-31-14, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IW17

How do you guys feel about vivarium electronics? Figured since the topic was about thermostats I'd bring it up.

I've only seen one bad review. He had a few malfunction on him so he swore them off.

I haven't heard anything else about them but usually good things.

IW17 · 10-31-14, 10:15 AM

I've heard they are on par with herpstat but don't actually know anyone who uses them. That kinda always pushed me towards herpstat.

themeyers · 11-01-14, 06:08 AM

thank you guys so much. I haven't yet made up my mind. but this helps a lot. thank you.

pet_snake_78 · 11-01-14, 07:37 AM

I did a lot of research about a year ago and hands down herpstat seemed the way to go. I've been using mine for the past year without issue. I also have a ranco and hydrofarms. One hydrofarm stuck in the ON position, not good, fortunately I never trusted it and had it plugged into a ranco as a backup in case it failed so no harm was done.

pet_snake_78 · 11-01-14, 07:38 AM

If you want to be double safe use 2 thermostats with one set slightly higher than the 1st, just in case it fails. Herpstat usually keeps my heat tape within .1 of a degree.

Primal Rage · 11-01-14, 05:15 PM

I have a Helix, a Herpstat, and a VE-200. They are all reliable, well made products. The Helix is probably the easiest to use but does not come with all the extra options the Herpstats and VE's have. You cant go wrong with any of them!