Sad Day

[Taceas]

Took the words right out of my mouth, Dean.

This will be one and only Helix I will have ever bought, not wasting my money on another. I'll relegate this one to something that isn't so heat critical, such as maybe my chicken house with heat lamps. =P

I've already got a Herpstat that I adore, its very consistent and has been doing a great job of keeping near constant temps in a cooler basement. So that's probably what I'll go with for my next one. Although I have gotten a recommendation for a Johnson Controls thermostat, so I'll have to check into that more to see what the price break down is compared to another Herpstat.

Anyone know where to get thermostats these days for decent prices? My Herpstat came from MG Reptiles, but unlike my earlier buying experiences with him it took nearly a month to get it after paying for it, which is not something I really appreciate. AND his record on the BOI seems to be less stellar than it once was.

[Nanci]

I am so sorry- I'd be devastated if that happened to me.

I ordered a Herpstat from him in January and it arrived on time. Maybe a couple days longer to get it than I expected.

Reptile And Animal Cage Digital Thermometers and Humidity Gauges I also got one of these, the dual temp probe, for $25 which I absolutely love. I don't know if you knew about these, if you go to buy more. I'd just had the cheapo Flukers, before, which aren't bad, but this one is so much nicer.

Nanci

[Becky]

Sorry to hear of your losses Misty. That's just plain awful.

About the thermostats. I got my 2 Herpstats directly from Spyder Robotics, and got them within a week or less time. Spyder Robotics

[MohrSnakes]

Originally Posted by Taceas

Anyone know where to get thermostats these days for decent prices? My Herpstat came from MG Reptiles, but unlike my earlier buying experiences with him it took nearly a month to get it after paying for it, which is not something I really appreciate. AND his record on the BOI seems to be less stellar than it once was.

I just got some Johnson controls from Dennis at Welcome to D&X Reptiles!. He was very friendly and shipped VERY fast. They arrived Saturday and I haven't had a chance to try them out as I was at a show all weekend but I plan to get them hooked up today or tomorrow. Packing was great and they look nice.

By the way, sorry about your loss. That sucks.

[Taceas]

Is that the Dennis from Fauna? Someone on Arachnoboards told me about the Johnsons they got from him for around $80. They really liked the Johnsons and the price was great too.

[midnightline]

I use Ranco thermostats myself. I have single thermostats on my yearling and hatchling racks, and a double thermostat on my adult racks.

[vanderkm]

So sorry to hear of the loss of these guys - such a devastating thing to find. Glad the rest are recovering and that you caught it in time to save them,


mary v.

[Nanci]

(From Spyder Robotics Website)

SUGGESTIONS:
As a secondary backup to ANY proportional thermostat use the following setup. Purchase a nonproportional thermostat with a wattage rating at or above the proportional thermostat's rating. Attach this thermostat to the wall outlet and set it for your desired failsafe temperature (NOT your normal target temperature). Then attach your proportional thermostat to the output of the "failsafe" thermostat and set it as usual. Place the probes of both thermostats in the same location. The idea is the proportional themostat controls the environment and should it fail and reach the failsafe temperature the "failsafe" thermostat will cut power. Of course at this point the environment will be regulated by the failsafe thermostat at its temperature. The environment would be warmer but assuming the failsafe is set to acceptable temperature the animals will remain safe.

Experiments:
I was able to use a inexpensive Zoo Med Repti Temp 500R with a Herpstat Proportional thermostat. I initially set the Repti Temp 500R up by itself and monitored the environment. I set it to regulate at a temperature slightly higher than I wanted the environment to be at. I monitored it closely to confirm its regulation. I then disconnected the heating element and attached it to the Herpstat output and attached the Herpstat's power cord to the Repti Temp's output.

Outcome:
It worked very well. I simulated a failure by removing the Herpstats probe from the enclosure. The enclosure continued to heat until the Repti Temp cut power. Once the temperatured lowered the Repti Temp powered up, the Herpstat powered up, and the Heat was regulated by the Repti Temp.

Conclusion:
For inexpensive backup of standard 500 watt proportional thermostats I would recommend the Zoo Med Repti Temp 500R. For higher wattage backup I would recommend a relay controlled thermostat such as the Ranco or Johnson Controls models. This worked well with the Herpstat products and should work for others.

Another good practice is to use a surge suppressor (such as the ones used to protect computer equipment) in between the thermostat and the wall outlet. This will protect the devices from current spikes that are common to household current.

Dion Brewington
Owner, Spyder Robotics

[MohrSnakes]

Originally Posted by Taceas

Is that the Dennis from Fauna? Someone on Arachnoboards told me about the Johnsons they got from him for around $80. They really liked the Johnsons and the price was great too.

I believe he is one in the same...but don't quote me on that. He sells both Johnson and Ranco thermostats and was very helpful and informative.

[kitty]

fwiw, I've only ever ordered my Herpstats from Bean Farm. I can't say how they compare to others, price-wise. But I do know they drop ship.

My last order from them (last year) took about a week.