thermostate for racks

[gecko breeder]

what is the resultes for not using a thermestate. i got my rack and im afraid to plug the tape in, if it will kill my geckos. please healp. i need to know.

 

[brandy101010]

I would not do it with out a thermostat. It will get too hot and kill them. Wait it out until you can get one.

 

[gecko breeder]

ok thanks, where can i get one, without the internet. and how much are they.

 

[brandy101010]

a pet store might have one of the on/off types.

 

[gecko breeder]

is that good, like it will controle the temps and what not.

 

[brandy101010]

Yes It will control the temps. While your there pick up a digital thermometer with a probe. The on/off types are not as good as the proportional types but Will get the job done. Just keep an eye on the temps. have it set up for a few hours before you put your geckos in the rack to make sure everything is working right.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

first before you put any leos in or plug in the thermostat, plug in the heat tape (without the bins in) and let it get to full heat for a couple of hours to "break it in" so it will provide more stable temps troughout its length.

Then plug it into the thermostat, you can pick up an Alife or ESU at petsmart for about $35, with these lower end thermostats you just need to be aware that the on/off portion of the thermostat can wear out and fail so check your temps 3 or 4 times a day. Ive used them for years and never had one fail others have had problems so just be safe and check the temps everyday.

http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...262812559&itemNo=13&In=Reptile&N=2030050&Ne=2

 

[trizzypballr]

Those cheap thermostats are total junk! I used one I picked up from petco when I first started breeding, I set it up so that it would get up to 92, it would hit 92 and then shut off until it went to sometimes as low as 81 degrees!! Talk about junk! I currently use a helix, and am going to try out the Johnsons. I absolutely love my helix, but they are pretty pricey, you can almost get 2 Johnsons for the price of a helix and ive heard good things about them, so I am going to check them out.

 

[dragonflyreptiles]

Like I said, some people have had problems with them, I haven't.

The ESU and Alife are an on/off type and the johnsons are an on/off type too that is why they are cheaper.

helix is proportional and does not cut off and on that is why they cost so much more.

 

[gecko breeder]

ok thanks ill get the cheap ones for now.

 

[PaulSage]

I used to use "cheaper" on/off thermostats until I had one fail and cripple $4000 worth of babies. Sure the thermostat worked just fine for a while, but going "cheap" can be skating on thin ice, just waiting for it to crack. I now use a Herpstat ND (proportional) in front of a Johnson's (on/off) on each of my racks.

 

[gko reptiles]

After reading this thread I have to say what is on everyones mind.... DONT BREED UNLESS YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES. With that said I hope it works out for you.

 

[ataber]

hey paul that sounds like a good idea can you explain how that works a bit more? Thanks