Rheostat vs. thermostat

[Zenyatta]

What is the difference between a rheostat and a thermostat? And which would you prefer for an UTH? I put my UTH on my 20 gallon last night and within a few hours the substrate temp was around 101. I promptly unplugged it and need to invest in something to control the heat, just not sure what the best bet is.

 

[DrCarrotTail]

A rheostat is a dimmer. It will reduce the electricity going to the mat. For example it will cut the power down to 50% but will not adjust the temperature other than that.

A normal thermostat turns the electricity to the mat on and off based on the temperature it is set to, just like the heat would in your house. When the temp is lower than the setting it comes on and higher than the setting it goes off. A proportional thermostat is one of the best kinds on the market for reptiles. It works as a dimmer based on the temperature you have the mat set at in order to keep the temperature exactly at the setting.

A thermostat is by far and away safer for any heating device. In the event of overheating or a fire it will shut off the electricity and potentially prevent a problem. A rheostat will not change anything in the event of a fire. The only drawback to a thermostat is that they are a bit more expensive than rheostats. The proportional ones are much more expensive and not really practical for one or two tanks but very useful for racks and incubators.

 

[Zenyatta]

Awesome, that makes so much sense. I will go order a thermostat! I was supposed to anyway but forgot. Now I have to.