What kind of thermostat do you prefer?

[MSMD]

OK...I've spent 1/2 the afternoon using the search function on here and going through pages of posts, as well as FAQs on Reptilebasics.com, etc. I am in the process of putting together a rack. I am torn between the Helix DBS1000, Johnson Controls A-419, and the Ranco ETC-111000 Pre Wired.

I really think the Helix might be ideal, as it's proportional, but I have heard a lot of good things about the other 2 and they're about 1/2 the price. Just wondering what everyone thinks. Please vote on what you prefer and post any pros or cons you might think of. Or, if you prefer something other than the options I have included, please feel free to post your choice.

Thanks in advance for your input!

 

[Mel&Keith]

We have had zero problems with our Johnson controllers. I love them.

We have the Helix on our incubator and I had the incubator door open for a few minutes arranging eggs and noticed shortly after I shut the door that it had set itself to 100F. You can only scroll up through the numbers so you have to cycle through the entire temperature range to get back to the temperature you want. That's my only complaint with that one. Now I know to very quickly open and close the door!

 

[MSMD]

Thanks, Mel. That's exactly the kind of feedback I'm looking for. :main_yes:

 

[gothra]

We have had zero problems with our Johnson controllers. I love them.

We have the Helix on our incubator and I had the incubator door open for a few minutes arranging eggs and noticed shortly after I shut the door that it had set itself to 100F. You can only scroll up through the numbers so you have to cycle through the entire temperature range to get back to the temperature you want. That's my only complaint with that one. Now I know to very quickly open and close the door!

Yeah, that's exactly what I don't like about my Helix, if you want to lower the temperature, you need to scroll in big circles!

 

[Ccrashca069]

You need to add either Other or Herpstat. So I could not vote. I use Herpstat and I love it. I have had no probs with it at all. It is very easy to program as well.

 

[AntMan612]

I might be too inexperienced to comment, but if I understand correctly, the Johnson Controls and Ranco thermostats are on/off versus proportional. IMO, proportional thermostat control is the best (and most expensive), but overkill if room temperatures are already stable enough.

 

[MSMD]

Thanks for the responses, everyone!

John, I realized afterward that I didn't add an 'other' option! :main_rolleyes: That's why I added in the comment at the end of my post just to post if you vote something else. I don't think I can change the actual poll now??

 

[Mel&Keith]

Fixed.

 

[Ccrashca069]

No worries Mel fixed it

 

[MSMD]

Thanks a bunch, Mel!

 

[goReptiles]

I use Herpstat, and haven't had any problems.

 

[Kristi23]

We have the johnson thermostat on all 3 of our racks. No problems at all so far. Temps have been good everytime I've checked with a temp gun.

 

[Mel&Keith]

On a side note, we keep one digital thermometer taped in a tub in every rack to monitor the temps (just in case) and to make sure that the temps are accurate.

 

[NickOC]

I voted for other. I had a helix and sold it a while ago but it rocked. I since then use hydor digi-proportional ones made for large aquarium heaters, very reliable and i got a great deal on a group of them. i plan on building a rack system soon and will most likley get another Helix, which I should have never sold. :main_no:

 

[hopingforbabies]

I have the Helix for my incubator and the Johnsons for my cages and racks.I like both,but for racks and cages,I would save a little and get the Johnson.It doesn't need to be an exact temp.It isn't always one temp in the wild.My room is pretty stable so I have had no problems.

 

[shadowx362]

those who use herpestat which model and whats the grounded fixure for?
http://www.beanfarm.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=8770836.21413&product=Temperature%20Control&user4=Herpstat%20Proportional

 

[skooge]

Which is better Ranco or Johnsons?

 

[efx*]

I love my Johnson Controls, it works perfect.

 

[skooge]

How hard is it to wire a Johnson?

 

[efx*]

It came wired. So I have no clue.