Rheostat?

[Mgridgaway]

Can anyone recommend a decent rheostat to use with some Big Apple Herp flexible heating rope (the 12.9ft/25 Watt model)? I really don't feel like having to pay $40 for a thermostat. Any thoughts on these two? They sell the Westex model at the Target near me for $12.

http://amzn.com/B0000BYEF6
http://amzn.com/B000Z9BBIQ

I saw Amazon does have a digital thermostat that got good reviews for $26

http://amzn.com/B000NZZG3S

 

[SulcataSquirt]

i have the 27 foot version without a rheostat and it doesnt get that hot at all, I actully wish i would get hotter. i would test it b4 you buy one.

 

[Tony the tank]

Either would work as they are both rated for 300 watts...but are you sure you need one at 25watts that's not that much heat..

 

[Maggie Cummings]

The 911 rheostat that I have used for the past 5 years on Bob's mat is $55 and worth every penny


http://www.osborne-ind.com/petsub/heatpad/pet_hp_sizes.htm

 

[Mgridgaway]

According to Big Apple Herp they get to be around 120 Farenheit without a thermostat or rheostat... maybe I should double check.

SulcataSquirt, how hot does yours get? And how far is it spaced apart?

 

[JeffG]

That first Lutron dimmer you linked is available at Home Depot for the same price. I have used them for years and they work great. I really like proportional thermostats much better though, and all of my reptile enclosures are regulated by these now. http://spyderrobotics.com/products/herpstat_nd.html Like you said though, the cost is much higher.

 

[Mgridgaway]

I looked around but it says none of them are available in my area but the westek looks very similar. Im also considering the digital thermostat I posted earlier.