Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Where is the best place to purchase Helix Thermostats? Are there any other recommended thermostats. The proportional type preferably. I have been using the typical on off thermostats and its time to step it up a few notches. Also what is the next step up in incubators from the normal hovabators? Thanks in advance!

The bean farm has helix's for around $$140 -- I've not been looking that long-- so there may be some cheaper somewhere else...

As for incubators--- up from hovobator--- from what I'm understanding-- you can build one-- and i've been collecting designs and ideas for a large DIY incubator for a while-- but there are some other cool ideas that have been posted--- a favorite was the ice chest incubator. These seem to run in the few hundred $$ range....
Or if you have the $ to spend-- there are some nice ones that hold 1 clutch but do all the 'work' for you-- they run about 1,000-- its all digital-- you tell it what kind of eggs are inside, and theres a spout for water-- and it tells you when its low-- and you add more thru the spout.
Or you can buy a huge pvc version for about 4K...

There are others here-- far more experienced than myself-- and they will chime in too....
These are just things/ideas I've seen-- I'd be glad to share some of my ideas with you if you'd like-- for home made incubators..

Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

I built my incubator for about 200.00. I got my helix t-stat for 130.00, my heat tape cost about 25.00, and the rest of the electrical stuff I got from home depot. I got my fridge offcraigs list for free than gutted it to the shell. It works great

What is the temp variation from shelf to shelf if any?

and would a small fan make the temps consistent throughout the entire unit if there is a variation that would interfere with incubation ?

(I am assuming there is no variation from shelf to shelf that would hamper proper egg development.)

>>I built my incubator for about 200.00. I got my helix t-stat for 130.00, my heat tape cost about 25.00, and the rest of the electrical stuff I got from home depot. I got my fridge offcraigs list for free than gutted it to the shell. It works great
>>

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Roberts Realm Of Reptile Research
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Thanks,

I opened my mouth and out flowed a melody black.

Yes, the bottom shelf was cooler so I did put a fan in there which made it consistent.

>>Yes, the bottom shelf was cooler so I did put a fan in there which made it consistent.
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Roberts Realm Of Reptile Research
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Thanks,

I opened my mouth and out flowed a melody black.

I've used Helix's, and I just don't see where they are superior to an on/off thermostat. I went through 4 units in 2 1/2 years. My oldest Ranco is right at eight years old and has been running since. The proportionals don't take surges or lightning strikes all that well, and it doesn't help to live in the lightning captial of the world. I'll take a Ranco over any proportional all day long..........

Maybe you should get a new ground rod installed by a licensed electrican or something. lol......

I'am an Electrician............

yep.

i have zero use for Helix thermos in my life. i can't remember how many have shorted out and caused me grief.

we have used industrial thermos, Rancos and Johnson Controls, for a number of years now. never had a single issue. they are super reliable, easy to use, and work great for every use in our facility, from heat tape to heat panels to bulbs to incubation.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

And-- they're for sale at proexotics--- one of the cheapest prices i've found. Definatly on the wish list...

Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue

secretly, you can find them a bit cheaper here on the classifieds, but yes, we work hard to earn your support : )
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

yha-- you never know what you'll get thru the classifieds... "new in the box i saved from 6 months ago" lol...

I'm liking PE more and more-- I like you-- you are always polite- which scores big points for me-- you're helpful, and have amazing pics on your website-- sure wish you gave tours though.

I'm going to be spending a chunk of $ there in August.

Beth
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The rescue site: www.freewebs.com/okreptilerescue