Question about Flexwatt heat-tape and thermostats

[Jeff876533]

hey i am planning on ordering a thermostat and flexwatt heat tape instead of heatpads. I need to keep the Thermostat under $30. What is the best one under $30?

im deciding betweeen these 2:
http://www.reptilebasics.com/store/product.php?productid=16156&cat=250&page=1

or this one:

http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/reptile-supplies/thermometers-and-thermostats/-/alife-1000-watt-electronic-thermostat-with-probe/

and also, which would be better, a rheostat or thermostat? i have a thermometer w/probes already, so i can just adjust it to the right temp (if i got a rheostat). What do you guys suggest?

 

[PaulSage]

I'm not too familiar with either of them, although the Zoo Med model looks like a rheostat instead of a thermostat. The advantage of a thermostat is that you can pre-set a temperature on the unit itself. The Zoo Med one seems to have a probe, like a thermostat, but doesn't indicate specific temperatures like the Alife model. I have heard good things about the Alife thermostats, so I guess my vote would go to the Alife. (plus it's cheaper and has a higher wattage capacity)

 

[eyelids]

I used Alife thermostats before I switched over to Helix DBS-1000s and they are much better than the Zoo Med rheostat. It'll take a while to get calibrated so be patient with it. I noticed a six degree tempeture fluctuation with these thermostats so keep that in mind.

 

[brandy101010]

I use the alifes and I can't say that I am completely happy with them but for the price it's about the best you can get. I plan to switch to helix soon. Alife does the job but have to be monitored very closely. Make sure you have a good digital thermometer.

 

[Kimjorg]

I have used the first one before we got a really good thermometer and still keep on one of the smaller racks we have. here is a really good rule of themub when it somes to these items. Round at the top means stop!