Reptile & Amphibian Forums

First off ---Thanks for the replies on my last similar post. I didn't really explain my set-up and the upgrades that I want to do.
I have a snake room w/approx 20 Boas. They're kept in individual cages (not racks) of 2 different sizes. 4x2x18" is one size, and 3x2x18" is the other. These are all using pro-product RHP's. And I want to upgrade from my Alife/ESU/BAH thermostats. Currently I'm running 1 t-stat per cage. Here's a two part scenario that I'm dealing with , and need advise and helpful info. BTW, I have a digi thermometer in each cage, and also a temp gun.

situation A -- First off, money is not the real issue, but I don't want to buy 20 HC's or Helix's either - seems a little overkill to me. I was considering running my larger cages on a real nice t-stat or two (not sure what would be best though). I just don't have a grasp on having one probe for about 5 to 10 cages with the temps fluctuating during cage cleaning and such. Help!

situation B -- Here's something that I thought might make the use of the, already owned, cheaper t-stats safer. In the smaller cages, I was thinking of plugging one t-stat into another t-stat that is set 5 degrees hotter in case the 1st one goes out it'll act as a back-up. Is there anything that you can think of that would make this a bad idea? You know , since I already own them, I might as well. I think I would find the problem before both of them broke down, since I check each one daily.

Now without breaking the bank, what are some SAFE thermostats I'm not sure what are more efficient on the electric bill (proportional, or on/off ones). I know everyone has there own preferences, but for me , safety is key, and I want to act soon. Thanks to all who reply, David/Morgans Boas

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--aka DMOG68

Using one thermostat per cage would be ideal but is not cost or space effective. As long as you have the same heating element you can put stacks of the same size cage on one thermostat with no problem. Since you have digital thermometers in each cage then I would not worry to much on the temps falling like crazy while cleaning. Just watch the temps and if they start to raise then shut off the thermostat to stop any undesired temp spikes. Just remember the heating element have to be the same in each cage that is on the same thermostat for the temps to be close to the same in each cage.

Using the thermostats in a dual setup sounds like a great idea.. Using them in a dual configuration would be the safest way to use them .. Having 2 go out at once is a huge, huge long shot….

An on/off thermostat will be cheaper on the power bill as they will cut the power completely off. A proportional thermostat is on pretty much all the time, but then again they are more accurate than an analog… If you are breeding the I would go with a proportional to be abel to use a night drop and if not the analog (on/off). There are several tstats on the market that would take care of your upgrades, some are more than others. I would recommend just do some reading and see what models suit your personal needs and budget the best… Hope this helps,
-Matt
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www.MGReptiles.com
Professional Heating Supplies

What I would do is go and pick up a rheostat for each individual enclosure. That way you can run your thermostat with the probe in the bottom cage and use your digital thermometers in each of the others along with the rheostats to dial down slightly the temps. Doing this will give you nearly identical temps through out all of your enclosures. Regarding temp drops while enclosures are open, this shouldn't be an issue as long as you have your thermostat probe attached to the area the heat pad is located, and the rheostats in line in the other enclosures will prevent a high temp jump. (I use 1 thermostat for a 3 enclosure stack and another on a seven enclosure stack with this method and it works perfectly)

If I mispelled anything or sound like I am rambling its cause I just woke up 20 minutes ago.

Hope this helps.
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Randall L Turner Jr.
www.aircapitalconstrictors.com

I appreciate the help alot.
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--aka DMOG68