what is the best thermostat for the least amount of money?

[smigon]

I am trying to find thermostats for my kiddos, where do you find a good one that isn't too pricey?

 

[foghat]

These work great.

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTP...-1&keywords=hydrofarm+thermostat+for+reptiles

 

[smigon]

Thanks, Foghat. What is the difference between the Hydrofarm and the Catalina? I see that with the Catalina I can use it for 3 UTHs, can the Hydrofarm only control one UTH at a time?

As we all are, money is tight, and I have been using rheostats with much luck, however since my hobby is growing, I really want to get the best for my kiddos, I will be up to 13 by the end of the year and can't afford a UTH for each.

How do you folks with so many snakes keep the temps accurate?

 

[foghat]

I have never seen the Catalina before. Assuming it works as advertised (it only has a couple of user reviews vs. over 500 for the hydrafarm) it looks like a more versatile unit, with perhaps better technology

It doesn't look like it displays what the current temperature is, though you should be using a separate thermometer to check the temp anyway.

 

[Rigby & Marcy]

It looks like the Catalina is just a rheostat??? A probed thermostat couldn't run three different heat mats, because they could be all heating at different rates.

People with large collections seem to use heat tape. I have no experience with it so hopefully someone can explain.

 

[foghat]

It looks like the Catalina is just a rheostat??? A probed thermostat couldn't run three different heat mats, because they could be all heating at different rates.

People with large collections seem to use heat tape. I have no experience with it so hopefully someone can explain.

I assume it comes with 3 probes, one for each uth. But maybe not, worth looking into more.

I use heat tape on my viv. Heat tape is cheaper than a uth, but you still need a thermostat for it.

 

[Blue Apple Herps]

I would try to switch over to heat tape and then try to pick up a used herpstat. I am all for keeping snakes on a budget (eg all my hides are from dollar store, etc).

But thermostat is the one area where you do not want to skimp. You don't need to drop $400 on one but I would be leery of any $30 one. I personally wouldn't trust it, especially considering it could literally kill your snake if it failed.

 

[foghat]

I've been using 2 hydrofarm tstats for 3 years now. There is nothing wrong with them and lots of people are using them for their snakes.

Part of the reason they are so much less than a herpstat (all the other features a herpstat has aside) is because they are a simple on/off thermostat.

 

[bonniep123]

Heya ,in england everyone I know who keeps snakes including me use these , they are the only ones the pet shops sell and they work great

 

[smigon]

Heya ,in england everyone I know who keeps snakes including me use these , they are the only ones the pet shops sell and they work great View attachment 183457

"Habistat Mat Stat Thermostat" - try saying THAT 10 times fast!

I have never heard of them, but I think your electrical outlets are different from ours. Someone had recommended some from Australia but the plug was different and something like this I don't want to chance with converters.

I agree, I won't go el cheapo on my kiddos, but I didn't get a Ferrari when I was 16 either, so something good and reliable at a reasonable price is what I am looking for.

(Oh, and Bonnie, you need to recharge your phone. It is down to 9%!) :laugh:

 

[Rigby & Marcy]

I have never heard of them, but I think your electrical outlets are different from ours. Someone had recommended some from Australia but the plug was different and something like this I don't want to chance with converters.

Yeah, they have different plugs and current (is that the word? current? whatever.). Also, they cost around $50 USD which is almost twice as much as the Hydrofarm.

 

[bonniep123]

That's odd as a hydro farm in England is sooooo expensive to buy