Thermostats

[coffeeguy89]

Hi everyone I just had a question about my thermostat. I'm currently using a reptitemp 500r and the only problem I'm having with it is that it turns the basking light off when it gets too hot. I bought the 500r thinking it would adjust the temperature by dimming the light, not just turning it on and off. Is this okay? His enclosure stays pretty well lit with his uvb light, along with the ambient light of the room. Also I was wondering if there is an thermostat available that will dim and brighten the light?

I've also attached some pics of my little man Yoshi

 

[andy27012]

I would think it would be fine as long as you have a light running while he is awake and he does not get spooked by the heat lamp turning on and off. What you are looking for is a proportional thermostat (right now you have an on/off). My two recommendations are spyder robotics and Helix. I have owned a spyder robotics ND and can tell you they make a quality product. I am about to pick up a helix dbs 1000 this weekend but will say they have been around FOREVER!

 

[Chuck67]

Unfortunately most thermostats are either "on or off" Just like you home thermostat, on until X temp is obtained then off, when temp falls below X then back on until temp X is obtained, and so on.

Chuck

 

[LLLReptile]

What we do for some of our cages, and what I do with mine is run two lower wattage heat bulbs on the cage. With a panther - should be plenty of room to do this, and you will see your bulbs last way longer than if you have them shut on or off. Have one lower wattage "basking" light bulb that is on all day, and shuts off at night. Then - run a secondary "ceramic" bulb, and have that controlled by the thermostat 100%. So if you are using a 150 watt basking bulb right now, maybe try a 75 watt "basking" spot light, and a "60 watt" ceramic bulb. Yes - more money up front, but ceramic bulbs last for years, electricity is about the same, and your basking bulb will last much longer not taking the beating of being shut on and off all day long with the thermostat. Plus, your light won't irritate the cham going on and off all day. I know it would annoy me!

As for proportional thermostats, I love my Helix. They are fantastic. Good luck with the setup!

Scott
LLLReptile & Supply
www.LLLReptile.com

 

[Michael Ryan]

So if you are using a 150 watt basking bulb right now, maybe try a 75 watt "basking" spot light, and a "60 watt" ceramic bulb.
www.LLLReptile.com

Using that kind of wattage would be WAY to hot for a panther.

 

[coffeeguy89]

Thanks for all of the input, I think I'm gonna pick up a ceramic heat heat bulb and use it along with a 40 watt bulb. Thanks for the tip LLL Reptile