Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm in the last stages of building a large iguana habitat (8'w, 4'd, 6'h). i'm wondering if anyone here has recommendations for types of thermo/humidistats, hardwire vs. plug-in, etc. ultimately i'd like to set it up so that i can monitor and control the conditions via computer (mac) while i'm away, but for now i'm just looking for something a little more basic that i can build on in the future. i will be incorporating an automated misting system not long after completing the cage (time deadline is fast approaching so i have to put that on hold for now) and currently i'm building it so that it's got a large vent opening on the bottom front and a fan in the back ceiling corner to be controlled by a thermostat and/or timer to help maintain the proper ventilation and temp., while manually misting and using the standard heat / UV lights hooked to timers, recommends on timers digital or analog would be appreciated as well.

>recommendations for types of thermo/humidistats, hardwire vs. plug-in, etc.

I think Ranco's is probally the cheapest however, a proportional may be more what your looking for such as Herpstat or Helix.

>ultimately i'd like to set it up so that i can monitor and control the conditions via computer (mac) while i'm away

For a Mac I don't think so I will be willing to bet all of the enviromental control systems are based on the PC not the Mac so good luck there. I know Johnston Controls now makes a PC controled enviromental control system. I can't imagine paying for it but if you can good luck. Most of the PC controlled enviromental control systems would be better for a large setup muiltiple cages. IMO if you just want one cage controlled a Helix would be the way to go.

>i will be incorporating an automated misting system not long after completing the cage

Again to save on costs one cage controled with a mist system is really impractical a hand sprayer would be much more cost effective. But if you are looking for a Automated mist system. Ecologic has a lot to offer.

>currently i'm building it so that it's got a large vent opening on the bottom front and a fan in the back ceiling corner to be controlled by a thermostat and/or timer to help maintain the proper ventilation and temp.

Is the fan used in a rear vent or is it just place within the enclosure. I would recommend it being placed to blow air out of the enclosure. The rising warm air will create enough airflow to pull air in the vent at the bottom. In fact if your lights are your heat source and are located at the ceiling there will be enough temp change to cause the air to flow without the fan.

>recommends on timers digital or analog would be appreciated as well.

I have always used and always will use Intermatic timers. I currently use 2 40Amp units in my Reptile room, and when my new Iguana enclosures are complete I will use one for those as well.

Good Luck
-----
Jeremy

"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer

1.1 Double Het "Sharp" Snow RTB's
1.1 Hypomelenistic RTB's
0.2 Pastel Hypo RTB's
2.0 Double Het Stripe Albino RTB's
0.1 Suriname RTB
0.1 Anerthrystic RTB
1.0 Ball Python
1.1 Rhinoceros Iguana's
1.0 Green Iguana
1.1 Cream Golden Retrieviers
1.0 Pomeriaian
0.3 Catus Terribilis
0.1 Spouse
0.0.1 Youth -coming soon-

Hey Jeremy,

I was looking at your post and I was wondering if you had any links to those thermos, computer programs and timers? I am going to be building my cage for beardies and I want to have a good thermometer and timers. I think it would also be cool to be able to control them by PC. So if you could help me then awesome!! Thanks again!

Logan