Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi folks,
I would like to start using some thermostates for my snake tanks. I figured that I might be able to get one from an airconditioning parts place here in town for less than online. A guy I talked to suggested a "White Rogers Temp. control unit" I don't have a part number for this unless the one they used instore is the same as the companies number: 96752(instore number)

Does anyone know if this white rogers unit will work to regulate an UTH? If it will, will it regulate more than one?

Thanks for any help offered,
Rob
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1.1 Bearded dragons
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn
0.1 Creamscicle corn
0.0.2 Normal(?)
0.1 Black Pine
1.1 Bearded Dragon

First of all, what do you want to measure - the cage floor temp or cage air temp? With a UTH I would guess cage floor temp, either on top or in the substrate. That eliminates commercial thermostats that are air sensing only.

I don't know if the White Rogers model is air sense only or has a remote probe to sense, but there are already some very nice inexpensive thermostats available that are already wired for you. Look at MG Reptiles' site for lots of models. Also, LLL Reptile sells the $30-something units that will work.

If you want to do some wiring, the Ranco and Johnson units work great. I think MG Reptiles will wire them for you if you specify. Here are some links:

www.mgreptiles.com
www.lllreptile.com

Yes I am wanting to measure the floor temps in the substrate. If I remember correctly, the guy did say that the white rogers model does have a remote probe.

You said:
"Look at MG Reptiles' site for lots of models. Also, LLL Reptile sells the $30-something units that will work."

I have read a few threads at different places that all said to stay away from the "round top $30 thermostates" Yes I'd rather spend less money and $30 sounds good to me, but which model for around $30-$40 is a good one? They look about the same.Any ideas?

I'll go and get a look at the white rogers unit, but it sounds like I will have to go the ranco or johnson route.
Thanks,
Rob
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1.1 Bearded dragons
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn
0.1 Creamscicle corn
0.0.2 Normal(?)
0.1 Black Pine
1.1 Bearded Dragon

>>Yes I am wanting to measure the floor temps in the substrate. If I remember correctly, the guy did say that the white rogers model does have a remote probe.
>>

The next question about the White Rogers model is if it switches 120VAC directly, or does it only switch 24VAC/VDC. You want it to switch 120VAC directly.

>>I have read a few threads at different places that all said to stay away from the "round top $30 thermostates" Yes I'd rather spend less money and $30 sounds good to me, but which model for around $30-$40 is a good one? They look about the same.Any ideas?
>>

I have a few of those $30-$40 models that I used for small setups in the garage or elsewhere. I haven't had a problem, but I only use them for a few months at a time when I do use them. One is the original Alife, and the other is the 1000Watt Alife. I think they are fine for one or more heat pads. But if you have heard of problems (and not problems due to user error), then it is your call.

>>I'll go and get a look at the white rogers unit, but it sounds like I will have to go the ranco or johnson route.
>>

I've had a Ranco running for at least a few years now with no issues.

>>>>
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"I reject your reality and substitute my own" Jamie Hyneman
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn
0.1 Creamscicle corn
0.0.2 Normal(?)corns
0.1 Black Pine
1.1 Bearded Dragon

Rob

I do heating and air conditioning(A/C) for a living. White Rogers(WR)thermostats for A/C are 24 volts and will not work on your UTH. However, WR does make a 120 volt T-stat for refrigeration but it will not work either because the remote bulb sensor is not the proper type need for the job you wish to do.

Now for the Ranco and Johnson -- I have both types and both work fine for UTH. Both are a commerical grade T-stat and can be bought at Grainger and other places online. However, you will need to wire them up and MG Reptiles use to have a drawing up to show how it is done. Both types will need to be set up properly with the jumper pins inside the controls. They are sold in the cooling mode and the jumper pins have to be redone for the heating mode.

Hope this helps. Floyd

I went to an AC supply house the other day and was looking at a ranco: part# 060-100. I brought a UTH w/ me. The guy there said that that one would work. You mentioned the temp sensing bulb not being the correct type. I'm not sure if the one w/ the 060-100 is correct either so I'll probably just get one of the more commonly used ranco or johnsons. I just figured that I might be able to get one here local and save a few $$ on price and shipping.

Thanks for your help,
Rob
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"I reject your reality and substitute my own" Adam Savage
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn
0.1 Creamscicle corn
0.0.2 Normal(?)corns
0.1 Black Pine
1.1 Bearded Dragon