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Helix vs. Herpstat

mizzourah Jul 03, 2005 08:59 PM

I'm getting ready to purchase a proportional thermostat. I'm torn between the Herpstat and Helix. Is one better than the other? I have only received info from people selling one brand or the other. I was looking for less biased information.

Thanks for any advice you may have. I don't want ot make a costly $$$ mistake.

Replies (7)

markg Jul 05, 2005 11:50 AM

Any proportional controller will work well. The brand is really not the issue. Helix units will do the job, as will the others. Once you have a proportional unit, you'll never look back. Despite what others say, proportional is THE way to go unless you are controlling a room heater or air conditioner.

I like Big Apple's Herp Power model because it is so simple, has an analog-type dial and comes with the night-drop cord (timer sold separately - you can use any inexpensive household timer.)

You can use Big Apple's and Helix's with heat lamps as well as with non-light-emitting heaters like heat tape. Make sure the Herpstat can be used with heat lamps if that is what you'll be using to heat the cage.

So I guess the answer is... doesn't really matter which one, as long as you have one.

>>I'm getting ready to purchase a proportional thermostat. I'm torn between the Herpstat and Helix. Is one better than the other? I have only received info from people selling one brand or the other. I was looking for less biased information.
>>
>>Thanks for any advice you may have. I don't want ot make a costly $$$ mistake.

twh Jul 05, 2005 04:39 PM

matt@mgreptiles sells both models,BTW ask him where the helix is NOW being made.i have 3 herp powers and 2 of them "drift" 2 or 3 degrees,not a big deal in a rack but not ideal for a incubator.i recently purchased a herpstat from matt and it's performance is flawless so far.have fun!

mizzourah Jul 05, 2005 06:22 PM

Thanks for the advice. I contacted Matt and I went ahead and ordered the Herpstat (along with some other goodies).

justcage Jul 07, 2005 05:47 PM

Awsome choice!! Now just wait for the Herpstat II to come out on July the 8th..

2 probes! 700 watts per channel!!! cooling fans!! simulated dusk to dawn!!! Im excited..lol
Image
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www.MGReptiles.com
Professional Heating Supplies

mingdurga Aug 09, 2005 11:31 AM

Got my first digital (Herpstat) a few weeks ago, for my incubator, and it works great. Big difference from a Johnson that varies 2 degrees and this digital that varies 1/10 th degree.
Plan on buying 1 or 2 more. Purchased directly from the mfgr. Very small, and lightweight.

Mike

reptilecare Jul 18, 2005 02:32 PM

If it was between the two I would definitely go with a Helix but I really think the Herp Power Thermostat from Big Apple Herp is the best choice. Not only is it cost effective and comes with a night drop cord at no extra price but I have twelve of them and they seem to maintain between 1/10 to 1/3 of 1 degree.

I saw someone said in this thread that two of his waiver two to three degrees and I think I have a hard time believing that since none of my many Herp Power units waiver more than 1/3 a degree. It almost sounds like a commissioned sales person or what we call a shill which happens all the time on the internet.

Isn't always suspicious when you see companies who sell the very type of products that your looking to buy knock competing products that they do not sell. And it is downright disturbing when they outright falsify information and unfortunately I see that a lot on this board by just a few individuals/companies (we all know who they are).

Winston

glkherp Jul 19, 2005 01:37 PM

np

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