Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone has used these with rack systems or if they can be. Just wondering thanks!

I used them for about 6 months but just recently switched to a Helix thermostat. The Alife was OK, but the temp fluctuated as the unit turned on and off. The Helix stays on and adjusts the juice accordingly to keep a consistent temp. Both work fine, but I like the Helix better.

Good luck.

Dave
DNS Reptiles

Well I think I will go with a ranco or another mid-ranged thermostat not just a cheapo because I've heard some stories about them s*cking really bad. I'm not sure though.

I would seriously suggest a Helix.
Some of the nice features include ability to replace the thermostat sensor (IE if you need a different length or it gets damaged), and if I read the documentation correctly, it will automatically shut off it the temperature of the unit itself detects the room is too hot (IE if the sensor gets damaged or another malfunction causing too much current).

The DBS1000 only can control 500W but you can buy a module that will control an additional 500W if needed. I'm a little skeptical of the cheaper brands that claim they can control 1000W.

You also may be able to just use a good quality incadescent dimmer switch (like what the bean farm sells for use with flexwatt). I'm using one of those to control the cool side temp of my BCC enclosure. Just be aware that to meet electrical code, you may need to use a metal junction box - the plastic kind can only be used behind wallboard in some places.

You have to check the temp a little more often, but you should be checking temps of anything controlled by a thermostat regularly anyway to avoid thermostat failure related deaths.
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3.3.5 L. getula californiae
1.0 L. getula nigrita
1.0 Boa constrictor constrictor (suriname, fostering/rescue)
2.1.2 Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

I've been using the Big Apple Herp. thermostats for a year( I have 4 of them) now and have no complaints. One works well for a 10 shelf rack system. I run 2 adult racks, a hatchling rack and 2 large cages with them. For incubators I would still use an upper end proportional though.

>>I've been using the Big Apple Herp. thermostats for a year( I have 4 of them) now and have no complaints. One works well for a 10 shelf rack system. I run 2 adult racks, a hatchling rack and 2 large cages with them. For incubators I would still use an upper end proportional though.

I also have a single big apple thermostat, which i am happy with. do you plug more than one appliance into any of your thermostats? given that the 'stat has a single two prong outlet and power strips have a ground, how did you overcome the lack of a three prong outlet/receptacle with the 'stat? i used a converter w/o any problems but I don't now if big apple offers any other thermostats or adapters, etc., for more plugs.

I used the Big apple to operate my DIY incubator along with a radio shack thermometer, and did very well.
thanks,
Daveb

I don't think a proportional is necessary to incubate eggs.
Often - just placing the tub in a warm room is enough.

Eggs should be in a fair amount of moist medium which will acts as a thermal capacitor, so they shouldn't be that touchy that they need a proportional.
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3.3.5 L. getula californiae
1.0 L. getula nigrita
1.0 Boa constrictor constrictor (suriname, fostering/rescue)
2.1.2 Elgaria multicarinata multicarinata

>>I don't think a proportional is necessary to incubate eggs.
>>Often - just placing the tub in a warm room is enough.
>>
>>Eggs should be in a fair amount of moist medium which will acts as a thermal capacitor, so they shouldn't be that touchy that they need a proportional.

I am pretty well versed in egg incubation, so that was not my main concern. This thermostat just happened to be the equipment I had on hand to operate the incubator, and it worked very well. Thanks for the response, though. I was more interested in how others are utilizing the big apple thermometer with multiple cages.
daveb

thanks, I was all set to shell out more money for a proportional for my incubator this spring.

I have a 10 shelf rack and a 5 shelf that are run by the same thermostat. So far so good. I wire my own heat tape and use lamp cord because they only have 2 prongs.