| Author |
 Topic  |
|
Tylersmatrix
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
16 Posts |
 Posted - 05/08/2011 : 10:00:25
|
Hi All,
I have had the green light to get myself my first royal python and have spent a lot of time researching them in readiness. I will probably get him/her within the next couple of months so i can get my holiday out the way. I am planning on getting all of the equipment for his rub in the meantime so everything is set up ready for the purchase date. My only querey is which thermostat to get. I am planning on getting a hatchling so i understand i will need a heat mat- is there a thermostat that will suit both the heat mat and also the bulb when he/ she is moved into a viv.
I have been looking at getting the lucky reptile thermo control 2 pro as i understand it can be set for the change of temperature required for during the night. Would this be suitable? Also is this stat for a cermaic or IR bulb? What do other people use for their royals and the change of temperature required for during the night? IS it just a manual adjustment before bedtime?
Sorry for all the questions it's the only part i haven't really understood yet with royal keeping. FYI i currently have a corn so its fairly easy sailing with regards to heating.
Thanks in advance |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
7384 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 13:44:49
|
Hi - there is a good sticky on stats on this section, but I'll quickly recap - there are 3 sorts:- the basic on-off mat stat, the dimmer stat and the pulse-proportional stat.
The dimmer stat can be used with mats, infra-red and ceramic. The pp stat can be used with mats or ceramic (not with IR as the bulb will tend to flash on and off.)
I personally wouldn't worry about buying a stat geared up to providing a night-time temperature drop. In most houses the ambient temperature will drop at night and although the stat will compensate, the temp in the cool end of a viv will still be slightly lower. So you really don't need to worry about lowering the temps at night. Just my opinion.
The questions are fine - yeah it feels like rocket science at first - was doing all this myself a year ago, installing my first dimmer stat - and it worked fine. (Much to my amazement! ) You'll soon get used to it. |
|
 |
|
|
Lotabob
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
5008 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 18:05:40
|
| I looked into the lucky reptile pro range because of their control screen looking so good but they are the most basic type of thermostat with a fancy face lol. If they ever release a dimming version i will buy one for sure they look good but just dont have the bells and whistles I'd want. I use habistat dimmers, very accurate and easy to use, they have a minimum wattage load though so not really any good for mats though if you are using a mat then a simple mat stat will be sifficient and in the time it takes for your snake to be ready for a viv who knows what new gear will be out. |
 |
|
|
|
jhk2005
Yearling
United Kingdom
166 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 18:53:44
|
| I've got all of mine set up with 'Habistat' dimmer stats, they work a treat. Just make sure you secure the stat probe with tape to the inside floor of the rub to stop it coming loose and you should have no problems at all :) |
1.6.0 Normal Royals - Will, Grace, Lolly, Patty, Maddie, Mystique, Victoria
1.1.0 Pastel Royals - Becks, Sophie
0.1.0 Spider Royal - Charlotte
0.1.0 Mojave Royal - Mo
1.1.0 Yellowbelly Royals - Pinky, Perky
1.0.0 Pinstripe Royal - Pip
1.0.0 Bumblebee Royal - Buzz
1.0.0 Vanilla Royal - Vinnie
1.0.0 Lesser Royal - Leo
1.0.0 Cinnamon Royal - Sam
1.0.0 Burmese Python - Kane
0.1.0 Albino Burmese Python - Amber
1.0.0 Redfoot Tortoise - Chucky |
|
|
|
n/a
deleted
7384 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 19:04:42
|
Oh yeah, the dreaded probe - good point jhk! Because if a snake curls up on the probe or throws its setup around and obscures the probe from the lamp, temps are going to shoot skyhigh! I also relate the following cautionary tale ...
I drill a hole low down at the side of the viv on the hot side, thread probe flex through and secure about third/halfway along front bottom panel with a screweye and cable tie. The head of the probe then (we hope) sits an inch or two clear of the substrate but is still hidden from view. I THOUGHT this was a Really Neat Idea...
My corns have now discovered a fab new game ...crap at the front of the viv and have a good laugh at Lil as she disinters the probe flex from the pile of ... |
|
|
|
|
Tylersmatrix
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
16 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 19:06:17
|
| Cool. Thanks for the advice. Going to the local reptile shop tomorrow to see what they have in. Also should get the chance to handle a royal- only ever held corns before. It's going to be a nightmare having to wait for my first royal |
|
|
|
|
Evolution Morphs
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2265 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 20:13:18
|
I bet any money a local reptile shop will want £60+ for a dimming stat
Best off ordering from Surrey pets £36 I think and delivery is £3.99 I always order lots of other stuff to balance the postage out
That's the only place I order my rep stuff from
I'm quite amazed on how many use dimming ones really they have a min load of 40watts and you will have to buy a big heat mat if that's what's going to be used
Unless there running light bulbs I use them on the dragon and there spot on
But use pulse stats fir my mats and find them ideal |
now on facebook
Royal Pythons
http://www.facebook.com/EvolutionMorphs
Western Hognose |
Edited by - Evolution Morphs on 05/08/2011 20:14:17 |
|
|
|
Lotabob
Royal Python Moderator
United Kingdom
5008 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 20:16:00
|
TAPE + SNAKE = PROBLEMS
I wouldn't use any tape anywhere near a snake. There are other safer ways to secure things. Tape can trap smaller snakes, rip skin or just be a right pain in the backside to remove. |
|
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 20:34:15
|
quote:
Originally posted by Lotabob
TAPE + SNAKE = PROBLEMS
I wouldn't use any tape anywhere near a snake. There are other safer ways to secure things. Tape can trap smaller snakes, rip skin or just be a right pain in the backside to remove.
That's what I was just gonna say. |
 |
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 20:57:07
|
quote:
Originally posted by D3lboys-Morphs
I bet any money a local reptile shop will want £60+ for a dimming stat
Best off ordering from Surrey pets £36 I think and delivery is £3.99 I always order lots of other stuff to balance the postage out
That's the only place I order my rep stuff from
I'm quite amazed on how many use dimming ones really they have a min load of 40watts and you will have to buy a big heat mat if that's what's going to be used
Unless there running light bulbs I use them on the dragon and there spot on
But use pulse stats fir my mats and find them ideal
I agree, small shops do charge RRP or thereabouts for stuff you can get cheaper elsewhere. Surrey Pets or Swell Reptiles seem the cheapest on Thermostats. I order form Swell because 'they're swell' *groan*..
Swell also price match if they can, and the 'competitor' is real and research-able, not some made up nonsense, e.g "My Uncle Jamal does the Microclimate DL1ME for a tenner, innit".. so strike a hard bargain, also next day delivery if you order before 2pm (except my vivarium which comes direct from manufacturer and took 2 days)
On the subject of dimmers: Being a huge nerd I researched this a lot.
Yes. Habistat DIMMERS require a minimum load of 40w, making them pretty useless for heat mats that aren't more like hot plates from a restaurant.
Microclimate Dimmers CLAIM to have a minimum load of 5w, but having spoken to one of their technical engineers on the phone for about an hour (really!) he explained that basically they can drop the 'dim' down to zero watts. Due to the circuitry which incorporates a device to prevent interference with radio signals etc (like your living room dimmer switches will also have) there is a minimal draw of perhaps 0.1w to power this (about a penny a year to run then)
Pulse proportionate stats from both Habistat and Microclimate have the same load range (0w - 600w) and do the same job.
However, if you opt for any of the Microclimate DL models, they are controlled by a more sophisticated microprocessor, so it's like the difference between an old thermostat on the landing wall when you were a kid, and the sort of digital, hi-tech unit we have today. More accurate, more features. Such as: the Alarm Feature is very useful as
a red light flashes and a beep is emitted when you have either TOO LOW/TOO HOT/ or HEATER FAILURE
Just another peace of mind added feature so you don't sit watching 'Come Dine With Me' whilst cooking your snake (sounds rude!)
Wrapping this up quickly, they are also, feature for feature cheaper than Habistat since the 'ME' models feature a built in Magic Eye daylight sensor (adjustable too) which can trigger a 0 - 10oC temperature drop at night, to create a more natural replication of wild conditions. The Day/Night sensor for the Habistat is an extra £20-30....
It's up to you, most on here seem to favour the Habi's just like people always say Volkswagens are good, but then there's a few people, like me who have found out that say, Skoda make some damn good cars, for less cash...
( I drive an Audi, so not the best example. Meh!) |
|
|
|
|
Tylersmatrix
Snake Mite
United Kingdom
16 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 21:59:05
|
| I have looked at the microclimate dimmers and they seem really good value for money. I have already decided not to buy the stats from my local shops but i am trying to look around for somewhere to get a hatchling from. Im in the darlington area and have spent quite a lot of time trawling through internet sites with little luck. Also what are the thoughts on CF's instead of CB's? I know majority of corns are now CB but it seems royals are more CF is that right? My local shop currently has some CF hatchlings in stock for around the £90 mark for normals. |
|
|
|
|
boomslang
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2025 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 22:08:36
|
quote:
Wrapping this up quickly, they are also, feature for feature cheaper than Habistat since the 'ME' models feature a built in Magic Eye daylight sensor (adjustable too) which can trigger a 0 - 10oC temperature drop at night, to create a more natural replication of wild conditions. The Day/Night sensor for the Habistat is an extra £20-30....
It's up to you, most on here seem to favour the Habi's just like people always say Volkswagens are good, but then there's a few people, like me who have found out that say, Skoda make some damn good cars, for less cash...
Fought he was using a heat mat?
Anyway,i have all my mats on Habistat mat stats,apart from one on a microclimate stat.Theres like £1 price difference,So really upto you.
I find habistat stats,Keep the temps within range more,all my other lamps,fans,whatever use habistat. |
1.0.0 pinstripe Royal Python
1.0.0 Bumblebee Royal Python
1.0.0 Normal corn
1.0.0 Extreme red Hognose
0.1.0 Extreme red tiger Hognose
1.1.0 yemen chameleons
1.0.0 Piebald yemen
1.0.0 Tamatave panther
1.0.0 Quadricornis
 |
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 23:01:45
|
quote:
Originally posted by boomslang
quote:
Wrapping this up quickly, they are also, feature for feature cheaper than Habistat since the 'ME' models feature a built in Magic Eye daylight sensor (adjustable too) which can trigger a 0 - 10oC temperature drop at night, to create a more natural replication of wild conditions. The Day/Night sensor for the Habistat is an extra £20-30....
It's up to you, most on here seem to favour the Habi's just like people always say Volkswagens are good, but then there's a few people, like me who have found out that say, Skoda make some damn good cars, for less cash...
Fought he was using a heat mat?
Anyway,i have all my mats on Habistat mat stats,apart from one on a microclimate stat.Theres like £1 price difference,So really upto you.
I find habistat stats,Keep the temps within range more,all my other lamps,fans,whatever use habistat.
"feature for feature" they are cheaper..and habistat have no computer controlled models, hence why they have no alarm features: old clunker tech doesn't support it. As for keeping temps well, I have two ~Microclimate~ stats, a DL1ME dimmer, and a DL2 pulse proportionate. BOTH keep temps to within half a degree once calibrated (to the actual digital thermometer) |
|
|
|
|
boomslang
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2025 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 23:27:48
|
Microclimate=No funky dial lol My only Microclimate is the mat stat.So simple on/off.
quote:
feature for feature" they are cheaper.
Which is cheaper? the mat stats are choice,where both brands are simple...others are £15 more expensive.
|
1.0.0 pinstripe Royal Python
1.0.0 Bumblebee Royal Python
1.0.0 Normal corn
1.0.0 Extreme red Hognose
0.1.0 Extreme red tiger Hognose
1.1.0 yemen chameleons
1.0.0 Piebald yemen
1.0.0 Tamatave panther
1.0.0 Quadricornis
|
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 23:34:28
|
Ok ROCKY, when it comes to mat-stats, buy either, whichever's cheapest. High end pulse and dimmers, Microclimate are streets ahead, seriously!
Using Habistat for pulse or dimmer is a bit like choosing a well proven mangle to dry your clothes, whereas the Microclimate is a modern gas tumble dryer, what's not to like? |
|
|
|
|
boomslang
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2025 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2011 : 23:48:36
|
quote:
Originally posted by SaltyTurtle
Ok ROCKY, when it comes to mat-stats, buy either, whichever's cheapest. High end pulse and dimmers, Microclimate are streets ahead, seriously!
Using Habistat for pulse or dimmer is a bit like choosing a well proven mangle to dry your clothes, whereas the Microclimate is a modern gas tumble dryer, what's not to like?
The price LOL Just went to check them out.some websites are lazy,copy and paste the same info for each stat..anyway looked on Microclimate website,and yes the pulse and dimmer are miles ahead.
three different sequences of flashes and beeps : Low temperature, high temperature and heater failure.so theres an alarm for each..heater failure yeah cool,Low temperature,high temperature,if the stats soo amazing how would you get high temps? and how would you get low temps?unless you left the door open.or the heater failed,which it has an alarm for anyway. |
1.0.0 pinstripe Royal Python
1.0.0 Bumblebee Royal Python
1.0.0 Normal corn
1.0.0 Extreme red Hognose
0.1.0 Extreme red tiger Hognose
1.1.0 yemen chameleons
1.0.0 Piebald yemen
1.0.0 Tamatave panther
1.0.0 Quadricornis
|
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2011 : 03:19:41
|
quote:
Originally posted by boomslang
quote:
Originally posted by SaltyTurtle
Ok ROCKY, when it comes to mat-stats, buy either, whichever's cheapest. High end pulse and dimmers, Microclimate are streets ahead, seriously!
Using Habistat for pulse or dimmer is a bit like choosing a well proven mangle to dry your clothes, whereas the Microclimate is a modern gas tumble dryer, what's not to like?
The price LOL Just went to check them out.some websites are lazy,copy and paste the same info for each stat..anyway looked on Microclimate website,and yes the pulse and dimmer are miles ahead.
three different sequences of flashes and beeps : Low temperature, high temperature and heater failure.so theres an alarm for each..heater failure yeah cool,Low temperature,high temperature,if the stats soo amazing how would you get high temps? and how would you get low temps?unless you left the door open.or the heater failed,which it has an alarm for anyway.
If you were using two different sources of heat, maybe an AHS and a bulb or mat, and one of the stats picked up a drop, it would alert you to that problem, or if some pillock had an un-statted mat under the hot end, and a bulb/ceramic on the stat, it would pick up if the COMBINED temp was getting too high (despite cutting power to Mr Ceramic, ya dig?).
Anyhooha. They're way better, and much cheaper, so I win |
|
|
|
|
boomslang
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2025 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2011 : 04:40:00
|
quote:
They're way better
,Agree there.
quote:
and much cheaper
No there not lol
quote:
so I win
NO NEVER |
1.0.0 pinstripe Royal Python
1.0.0 Bumblebee Royal Python
1.0.0 Normal corn
1.0.0 Extreme red Hognose
0.1.0 Extreme red tiger Hognose
1.1.0 yemen chameleons
1.0.0 Piebald yemen
1.0.0 Tamatave panther
1.0.0 Quadricornis
|
Edited by - boomslang on 06/08/2011 04:40:19 |
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
|
|
boomslang
Old Royal - I Post too much!
United Kingdom
2025 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2011 : 21:07:01
|
quote:
I could go on because every example Microclimate come out cheapest, but this was just using Surrey Pets. I could shop around and save more, like I did getting my DL2 from Swell Reptiles for £31 not £39 at Surrey Pets
Yeah,i told you the Microclimate stats are cheaper
Swell Reptiles are cheaper again you say? |
1.0.0 pinstripe Royal Python
1.0.0 Bumblebee Royal Python
1.0.0 Normal corn
1.0.0 Extreme red Hognose
0.1.0 Extreme red tiger Hognose
1.1.0 yemen chameleons
1.0.0 Piebald yemen
1.0.0 Tamatave panther
1.0.0 Quadricornis
|
|
|
|
SaltyTurtle
Yearling
155 Posts |
Posted - 06/08/2011 : 22:00:59
|
quote:
Originally posted by boomslang
quote:
They're way better
,Agree there.
quote:
and much cheaper
No there not lol
quote:
so I win
NO NEVER
Ahem.... you appear to have said they weren't cheaper here, now you're claiming you said there were!
Anyway, Yes I got a MC DL1ME (RRP £70 I think) for £42 from Swell.
I then bought a DL2 for £31.
Both were cheaper than Surrey, and both are now out of stock |
|
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Which Thermostat?
