Reptile & Amphibian Forums

would you recommend helix,ranco,johnson controls,spider robotics etc. does the on/off type thermostat shorten the life of the flexwatt?

It depends on what you are using the thermostat for- on-offs like the Ranco are great for heating larger rack set-ups. Most on-offs like Johnson or Ranco are great for rack set-ups because they can handle more power. The Spyder robotics or Helix are necessary for incubators- you need that steady temp that only a proportional thermostat can provide. Also the last two allow for a night drop.
So the answer to your question depends on the use. Hope this helps-
NorthernRegius

I use ranco therms on all my racks, and have no problems.

During cooling I have to change the night temps, but that takes about 6 seconds per stat.

And as stated proportional thems are best suited for incubators.

TomChambers

I use Helix on my incubators and Herpstat II's on my racks. I have a Johnson unit on an Animal Plastic rack I just acquired. Ron
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The Crawl Space

how do you cycle your animals with the ranco units?

On the Rancos, I change the temps manually for cycling.

As I said it takes like 6 seconds per thermostat.

TomChambers