Budget Thermostat

[NikkiandDucky]

I want to buy a thermostat for Ducky but I’m on a budget. I’ve got roughly fifty dollars to spend on it and petco has a 100w on/off one for 45 dollars right now. The watt is perfect for the ceramic heat emitter I have but I’d prefer a dimmer or pulse thermostat. Does anyone know a reliable thermostat that would fit my budget?

 

[CooperDragon]

Are you looking just to control a CHE? If so, then an on/off or pulse should fit the bill and save some money. The Exo-Terra on/off should work for that but I haven't tried one myself to vouch for it. If you want to control the basking light then you'll want a dimming thermostat.

 

[Drache613]

Moved by Moderator from General to Enclosures

 

[NikkiandDucky]

I’m only trying to control one Che with it I’ve got a basking bulb but I figured that the thermostat would take into account the heat output from that and lower the Che if it gets too hot. I’ve had this set up for a few years without problems but I just want to like ensure the temperatures are safe. Petco just started a post-christmas sale so it’s down to thirty dollars.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yep that should just shut the CHE off when the temp probe reaches the temperature you set it at. I'd keep it in the low 70s (70-73 or so) and put the probe on the cool side of the tank. That way it will kick on if the temps get too low overnight but won't keep it on if it gets too warm.

 

[Hikari]

I use a thermostat like this with my reptile heat mats:
https://www.amazon.com/Century-Thermostat-Controller-Germination-40-108%C3%82%C2%B0F/dp/B01I15S6OM/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_86_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HS58B1NXJZVQ0WYFAP8M

A simple, inexpensive on/off thermostat.

You could also get something with a dimmer to keep it on a steady heat, but since you only need it on sometimes, this may not be as useful. I have one though, so if you ever do need a dimmer hood, I can recommend this:
https://www.chewy.com/flukers-clamp-lamp-dimmer-85-in/dp/129141

 

[NikkiandDucky]

I ended up buying an on/off one from petco, because it was on a really great sale. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/exo-terra-electronic-onoff-thermostat
I haven’t set it up yet because Ducky likes to bite wires and I’m decorating it so he doesn’t notice it. Thank you for all your suggestions. Also if you want to buy it it’s 24% off online until midnight PST the 31st