Rheostat or thermostat?

[Britt005]

This is probably a dumb newbie question but here it goes anyway....

I'm looking at a temp controller to perfect my little Rizzo's home. The UTH is measuring around 100 now which I know is too hot. She has taken to laying right outside her warm hide (where it measures about 88-92) rather than in it. I scooted her hide up to where she was laying as a temporary fix but know I need a more permanent solution, especially since it''ll probably just get higher when it's not competing with these frigid early Spring temperatures. However I'm confused about which is best...a rheostat or thermostat? From what I understand the rheostat controls the current to the UTH and a thermostat turns the UTH off when it gets to specific temperature. Am I correct? Is either fine or is one better than the other? Apparently no pet stores within a 20 mile radius of me carries either of them, so I've been poking around online. What brands would you recommend? Thanks!

 

[JessJohnson87]

I use the Hydrofarm thermostat for my heat pad. With a rheostat or potentiometer(pot) as they are called now, you would have to move the dial to find the perfect temperature gradient and they do not take into account the room temperatures because all you're doing with a rheostat or pot is changing the amount of voltage that flows through the heat pad. With thermostats, you set the temperature that you want and when the substrate reaches that temperature, the thermostat turns off the heating device and when it reaches a 3 or 4 degrees below the temperature you set it to, it turns on again.

 

[CWilson13]

I have a few of the hydrofarms myself as well. Specific temperature ranges need to be monitored in order to maintain a proper environment for your gecko. The thermostat is more reliable than the rheostat for the temperature, like Jess said.

Here is a link to the one many of us use:
Amazon.com : Jump Start MTPRTC, Digital ETL-Certified Heat Mat Thermostat for Seed Germination, Reptiles and Brewing : Plant Germination Heating Mats : Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[Britt005]

Awesome! Thank you both for the clear answer (There is so much conflicting information out there) and the link to a reliable product. I'll be placing an order shortly!

 

[CWilson13]

We are all happy to help. Trust me when I say, there are no dumb questions regarding these little guys/gals. If there were any, no worries because I already asked them Hopefully Rizzo will enjoy the new temperatures in her tank and have many years with you!

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I hope that this thermostat will meet Rizzo's needs.

It's the only reasonably priced thermostat I know of that has a digital readout and a small metal probe.

The stated variance of the Jump Start MTPRTC is +/- 3*F. I set mine for 91*F. Then the actual temperatures might fall to 88*F before the thermostat turns on and rises to 94*F before the thermostat turns off. That's perfectly alright for leopard geckos.

 

[CWilson13]

I hope that this thermostat will meet Rizzo's needs.

It's the only reasonably priced thermostat I know of that has a digital readout and a small metal probe.

The stated variance of the Jump Start MTPRTC is +/- 3*F. I set mine for 91*F. Then the actual temperatures might fall to 88*F before the thermostat turns on and rise to 94*F before the thermostat turns off. That's perfectly alright for leopard geckos.

I have mine set exactly the same Great minds think alike eh?

 

[thepianoguy]

i vote for thermostat but usually rheostat is cheaper but thermostat is better at controlling

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

I have mine set exactly the same Great minds think alike eh?

:biggrin:

;-)