I'm not new to forums as a whole (a super moderator on a massive car forum actually), but I am new to this one, and the Corn snake world!
I haven't made an introductory post. but I wanted to ask about the thermostat in the title of this thread to see what everyone's thoughts are of this relatively affordable and highly rated option.
Seen here on amazon (I didn't see anywhere stating I couldn't post external links..forgive me if I'm wrong): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I15S6OM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It runs for $19 and looks like it's extremely highly rated and I see 0 reason why it would be a bad option compared to some of the really expensive options. Particularly for people like myself who have just one snake with one heating pad.
Let me know your thoughts!
I've read reviews on the thermostat and it is not extremely highly rated. The reviews show that if you received a good one the buyer was happy. However, there have been many instances of malfunction, with associated error readings. Having said that, the customer service people are quick to replace any malfunctioning device. If you have a corn snake the temps aren't that critical for a short time while the unit is being replaced, if you did have a defective unit. Just don't feed the snake until you get the replacement.
I bought an InkBird ITC 306T specifically because it comes prewired, has dual outputs, and high and low temperature alarms. Customers complained about the instructions being hard to understand, and I agree. The first time I set it up the high temp alarm went off. I soon figured out I set it up wrong. I think the InkBird was $29.95, a heck of a lot cheaper than the Ranco unit I bought years ago.
I've read reviews on the thermostat and it is not extremely highly rated. The reviews show that if you received a good one the buyer was happy. However, there have been many instances of malfunction, with associated error readings. Having said that, the customer service people are quick to replace any malfunctioning device. If you have a corn snake the temps aren't that critical for a short time while the unit is being replaced, if you did have a defective unit. Just don't feed the snake until you get the replacement.
I bought an InkBird ITC 306T specifically because it comes prewired, has dual outputs, and high and low temperature alarms. Customers complained about the instructions being hard to understand, and I agree. The first time I set it up the high temp alarm went off. I soon figured out I set it up wrong. I think the InkBird was $29.95, a heck of a lot cheaper than the Ranco unit I bought years ago.
I'll have to consider that one also if I ever look for another thermostat with budget in mind.
I have to object slightly to the mention that it isn't extremely highly rated though. it has 67% 5 star ratings, and 16% two star ratings. I would be willing to bet the remaining 17% definitely received one that may have malfunctioned, but I agree definitely that customer service looks prompt and awesome in issuing replacements! A company who takes good care of it's customers suddenly makes up majorly for any issues in quality control.
I'll have to consider that one also if I ever look for another thermostat with budget in mind.
I have to object slightly to the mention that it isn't extremely highly rated though. it has 67% 5 star ratings, and 16% two star ratings. I would be willing to bet the remaining 17% definitely received one that may have malfunctioned, but I agree definitely that customer service looks prompt and awesome in issuing replacements! A company who takes good care of it's customers suddenly makes up majorly for any issues in quality control.
The link above is the thermostat(s) I use. They are a bit more pricey, but they are the best on the market. Some of the models will even run multiple pads, and simulate a day / night cycle.
I'll have to consider that one also if I ever look for another thermostat with budget in mind.
I have to object slightly to the mention that it isn't extremely highly rated though. it has 67% 5 star ratings, and 16% two star ratings. I would be willing to bet the remaining 17% definitely received one that may have malfunctioned, but I agree definitely that customer service looks prompt and awesome in issuing replacements! A company who takes good care of it's customers suddenly makes up majorly for any issues in quality control.
If you will note, some of the 4 and 5 star ratings were due to the prompt replacement of a defective device. I'd never rate any device highly when it malfunctioned. A quality item "extremely highly rated" doesn't malfunction soon after you put it in service. However, if you bought one already and are happy with it, case closed. It's so inexpensive you can buy two and have a backup. The real danger with thermostats isn't that they fail to provide voltage in the "off" position, it's that they fail to turn off in the "on" position.
But as the old saying goes, "you pays your money and takes your chances."
Speaking of thermostats.
A long while back when Connie first started breeding her leopard geckos, a guy we sold most of our animals to wanted her to use his thermostatically controlled incubator for the eggs. So he brought it over to us and we set it up. Being a cautious sort of guy, before committing any of the eggs to it, I set the thermostat on the incubator to 85 degrees, and then put a minimum/maximum thermostat in it, closed it up, and just let it sit for several days.
When I checked on the incubator at the end of the test period, it was showing 85 degrees on the display as the current temperature, but when I checked the min/max thermometer I had put in there, at at least one point in time, it had gotten to 120 degrees in that incubator. Now imagine what would have happened had I immediately set it up and put the leopard gecko eggs in there? The guy got his incubator back.
So I learned early on to have a healthy distrust for thermostats. If you are going to use a thermostat, use at least TWO of them. One as a safeguard against the other one failing. One to turn the thermostat on if it gets too cool, and the other to turn it off if it gets too warm. But of course, there IS Murphy's Law that you have to contend with.
Speaking of thermostats.
A long while back when Connie first started breeding her leopard geckos, a guy we sold most of our animals to wanted her to use his thermostatically controlled incubator for the eggs. So he brought it over to us and we set it up. Being a cautious sort of guy, before committing any of the eggs to it, I set the thermostat on the incubator to 85 degrees, and then put a minimum/maximum thermostat in it, closed it up, and just let it sit for several days.
When I checked on the incubator at the end of the test period, it was showing 85 degrees on the display as the current temperature, but when I checked the min/max thermometer I had put in there, at at least one point in time, it had gotten to 120 degrees in that incubator. Now imagine what would have happened had I immediately set it up and put the leopard gecko eggs in there? The guy got his incubator back.
So I learned early on to have a healthy distrust for thermostats. If you are going to use a thermostat, use at least TWO of them. One as a safeguard against the other one failing. One to turn the thermostat on if it gets too cool, and the other to turn it off if it gets too warm. But of course, there IS Murphy's Law that you have to contend with.
I guess since I'm still new here and haven't done any kind of "get to know brian60" stuff I never did explain the kind of person I am.
Some who know me in person consider it annoying and state "you worry too much," but I am that guy who is a realist whom always prepares for the worst case scenario and makes himself fully aware of what the worst case scenario could be. My career is that I am an Information Security Specialist for a medium sized credit union. With that, I don't take many shortcuts in regards to security and ignoring the potential "cons" of things.
With that, I tested temps for 4 days prior to the arrival of my little guy, Timothy the Hypo Okeetee, to make sure it was perfect. Before getting a thermostat, I did a little experiment to see how much substrate I needed in order to make the tank livable WITHOUT a thermostat. Sure, he can still burrow and be too warm. but knowing the depth needed to ensure his safety on the surface, we all know that more than likely if it's too hot he won't dig down there.
I do really, really, like the idea of doubling up though. I may have to do just that. For Murphy's law sake, after-all.
Thanks for the insight!