Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,
I just built my first rack system. It holds five 41qt tubs and is built exactly to the specifications at this link (http://www.reptilianprojects.com/ladderrack.html) only half of the height. On the site I found this template at it is suggested that you use a big apple herpostat, I just can't afford dropping a hundred dollars on that right now. My question is provided the setup that I have I will only have one plug in to run all five levels and the temps shouldn't vary much between the lowest and highest level so what are some more affordable options for controling my hot spots? Any and all advice is very much appriciated!
Thanks so much,
-Bryce
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You can get a Ranco thermostat for $70. Honestly, a thermostat is just about the only way to control your temps. You can use a cheap dimmer switch, but all that does is lower how much power goes to your heat sources -- it won't adjust for fluctuations so it won't keep your temp stable.
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

What about the ESU temperature controller. Same basic idea it's a controlled thermostat for 25$ will this work for the project that I have. I guess what my question really is, is will this lower end thermostat do just as well in my set-up as a more expensive version. All of them that I have looked at have the ability to handle the watage that I need the only difference that I have seen is the price?
Please shime in,
Bryce
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In my experience, no. They have a dial control, and the dial is never accurate enough to maintain temps to the specific degree, just like the ReptiTemp 500R. You will have to watch your digital thermometer and adjust the thermostat dial constantly in order to keep it maintaining the right temp.
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~* Jen *~

Pink Lady Constrictors

I agree. I would use a dimmer with an under tank heater. They do not get that hot, but flexwatt gets extremely hot. I use johnson controls, and spyder robitics for my flexwatt.

I would suggest saving up and dropping the money for a proportional thermostat. If the thermostat fails in the on position, then it will cook your snakes. Flexwatt gets very hot. You don't want that. If you think about it 5 tubs divided by 100 is only 20 for each tub. Just my opinion... Also, where did you find the shelving? Did you use the knape & Vogt shelves?

Hey guys thanks for the advice, The shelving actually all came from menards and I am suprised at how sturdy that the final product is. The only downside is that the wood is eventually going to wear out and man it is heavy! For my purposes though it worked very well and the cost for all of the supplies was right at one hundred dollars. Thanks again for your advice.
-Bryce
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I have been using johnson controls a419 and has worked fine. Its digital but not proportional but a good bargain for the price. Replacable temp probe rated at 1500w and has a fail safe mode to shut down if temp probe fails.You can buy them for around $70.00 shipped.