Posted by:
rainbowsrus
at Mon Mar 23 11:25:52 2009 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by rainbowsrus ]
(0.01$ on a good day  )
While multiple racks can be run off one thermostat (providing you don/t exceed the current limit) there are problems that can crop up doing that. If the heat elements are not identical, one rack can run hotter than another. That already is likely happening in your single rack with the upper tubs warmer than the lower ones.
Also, reminds me of an old saying "don't keep all your eggs in one basket" By putting more and more on a single thermostat, more and more is tied to the performance of a single point of failure. If that single thermostat does fail, you have a lot more at risk.
I personally am not a fan of on/off units like Ranco. Two reasons....
1) Can be a much larger temp swing, when the probe cools enough to turn on the heat, the cage temps can actually be cooler. By the time it warms up enough to shut off, the heat element can be otter than desired. That is greatly affected by probe location. The closer to the heat element, the less of an affect, the further away, the greater!
2) Unsure on Ranco but I think it's a mechanical contactor? If so, mechanicals "can" stick in the on position applying full power to the heat elements = very bad!!! Again, bandaids can be applied... Use a dimmer in line so even if full on, does not get toooo hot.
I have Several herpstat Pro's and love em!! Totally programable, up and down, built in night drop, solid stat proportional. Four independant channels with 12' probes!
Only slight downside I've found is the back where all the cords and probes plug in is a little crowded. Some RHP's I have used a right angle plug and that would not work, had to be straight on or it covered the probe socket.
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Thanks,
Dave Colling
www.rainbows-r-us-reptiles.com
0.1 Wife (WC and still very fiesty)
0.2 kids (CBB, a big part of our selective breeding program)
LOL, to many snakes to list, last count:
26.49 BRB
20.21 BCI
And those are only the breeders 
lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats 
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My 0.02$ for what it's worth..... - rainbowsrus, Mon Mar 23 11:25:52 2009