Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone have any imput about theses thermostats? Thanks atrox182

They're certainly no Helix or HCS, but they are practical inexpensive, and they work. Their temperature variance is between 1-2 degrees so I'd never suggest using one on an incubator or something that has to have a very precise temp. I've sold a ton of them with my rack systems and everyone seems happy with them.
Take care,
Jason @ Jason's Jungle

I was wondering if they had upgraded them from the 300 watt eariler version, i have a couple of theses and they work ok, but i have had one that did stick on. thank you for your imput, atrox182

I have several and have found them to be cheap and reliable. A few colleagues have even gone to using them or the various re-branded versions in favor of proportional thermostats for basic temperature control. I like the 1000 watt capacity and the lengthy probe cord. The Alife t-stat is made by a feed company in Taiwan and is marketed under the name of Alife - it is also marketed under the name of Biostat, and even the Big Apple 1000 watt t-stat is the same unit, just a different sticker on the front. They're good, cheap, reliable units. Incidentally, I would't hesitate to use one on an incubator, even with the temp variance, but then again I don't incubate anything that requires super-precise temp control, and anyway, I believe some temp fluctuation within a couple degrees [depending on species], is a good thing.
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Matt Campbell
Animal Keeper, Small Mammal/Reptile House
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, Illinois

Assistant Curator
Wildlife Discovery Center at Elawa Farm
Lake Forest, Illinois

I bought the Big Apple version and it did click off if it went too hot( advertised fail safe).I had it plugged into a timer and was checking a rack in the morning before it clicked on and watched it climb WAY past the set point. I continued to watch it for a while and it constantly went WAY past the setting before eventually cooling and coming back down. It was also VERY loud when it turned off and on. When I called Big Apple they said it's not normal and one out of thousands can fail.

I checked the opereration with the timer many times and it was fine initially.

It's in a box in the cellar somewhere. Guess I should throw it out. The Big Apple Herp people have been very good to deal with otherwise for lots of other things.

I have a double Ranco from Boaphile now.Very good at holding a precise temp. Good luck.

Bob.

I have at least of a dozen of the BAH-1000 units and I have never had one fail so far. I have used them on some of my rack systems for about 3 years now. Once I can afford it I will switch them all over to the Herp Power Thermostats since I understand from Big Apple that there is a virtual zero failure rate on those units since they are all digital.

Winston

Thanks for the imput. atrox182

Thanks for your your imput, sounds like they are ok for the money. atrox182

The alife, bah-1000 and the zoo-med thermostats are made in the same factory. Personally I would say there are better options out there. The proportional from BA, the Johnsons, ranco, herpstat, and helix. In the field of thermostat you do get what you payfor so making a good decision is really important. I personally like a thermostat with a digital readout so I know whats going on inside the cage.
-Matt
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www.mgreptiles.com
CBB Herps and Heating Supplies