Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got two for you guys.....

One - I have had my eye on a Helix DBS 1000. I was wondering if this was only a device to control the heat source, which to me is what it seems to be. Does anyone have any expreince with these? I am using a Rheostat and have no problems or anything with it. I can tell that the Helix would be an accurate way to measure the temps though.

Two - Since the Leopard Gecko forum is SSSLLLOOWWW....I know some people here look after Leo's and I had a question about heating. I currently use a UTH and with my temp gun get a temp reading of about 87-90 during the day. Now, I was wondering, should I have an incandescent bulb on to raise the temps in the air??? or, just let my room temp handle that. It stays on at around 77-80 in my room, except on the weekends, when everyone is here, they LOVE the A/C!!!! so the air temp gets to be almost 70...which im sure is affecting all my animals!!!!

Any input would be good guys!!!

Anthony

I would say as long as you have an under tank heater going that keeps the tank floor near 90 degrees that should be just fine. Especially considering the leopard geckos spend most of their time on the floor of the cage anyway it shouldn't be a problem.

Thats what I was thinking. Since leos like belly heat more than anything I thought it would be ok. Ill keep playing with all the temps and see how I can improve!

Thanks!

I love helix controls, they are extremely reliable and accurate.

I use the unit you mentioned and the Super Room System (1500 watts)

Although I do not keep leos, the temps you describe sound fine and are within the animals active / preferred temp range.

Just be sure you have the belly heat to offset the lower temps on the weekends.

Below is a good link for reptile paraphernalia, although I have never used the herpstat, I have heard only good things about that brand of thermostat.

Bean Farm

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Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

Heix DBS 1000, have over a dozen. Great single use T-stat perfect for my hatchling and growout racks where I want single control, 24/7 temp setting. Downside - annoying up only adjustment. If you want to lower temps, have to go all the way around range.

Spyder robotics Herpstat Pro - LOVE EM!! Have four (so far) four channel, programable up/down temp adjustment with BUILT IN night drop feature. AND less than 3/4 price of 4 Helix's. Great value. Of course only if you need multiple temp zones withine smaller area. I use em for my breeding cages and each level has it's own control, very usefull for breeding!!!!!
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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:
21.29 BRB
19.19 BCI
And those are only the breeders

lots.lots.lots feeder mice and rats

herpstat. I hear they are comparable in accuracy to the other top thermostats available. I will have to pic a few up, one can never have too many of these or digital probe thermometers in my opinion, I have a lot more thermometers around my snake room than most people, I got a really good deal at pro exotics on these ugly thermometers, they look like an "egg" timer. But hey, they work well. Thanks for the input on the herpstat's. I did mention them, but since I have no personal experience didn't give my opinion beyond the good evaluatory ( not sure if that's a word, I think it is lol ) opinions I have heard on this product line. Thanks Dave!!!
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Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

The only thing Im really looking for is something to control the Ambient Temps.