Lighting/Thermostats/Timers for Newb

[cr1chard]

New owner here, in the process of building a custom 4x2x2 enclosure, and setting up a dubia colony. The most daunting task so far for me is figuring out what to do as far as thermostats and timers. I see a lot of recommendations for the ReptiTemp 500R, but I'd prefer something with a digital setting, something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/220V-Digita...ultDomain_0&hash=item35ba1fa78e#ht_6156wt_826

...but the idea of wiring everything is a tad intimidating. Is there anything out there that would allow me to set different temps for different times (for day/night temp changes)

I'm also curious about timers for my fluorescent lights, as I have no experience with them. The cheaper and more *****-proof, the better.

My current lighting plan is to have a UVB light spanning the length of the enclosure, and a basking light/CHE flood light combo over the basking area. The CHE would be wired separately to stay on all time. I will add a "day" light to the cool side of the cage if the light is too low over there (for better viewing). My plan is to set the UVB, basking, and "day" lights on the timer, and have the CHE hooked up to the thermostat. Ideally I'd like to add a red light for nighttime viewing on a separate timer.

Am I over-complicating this? Any recommendations, and especially LINKS, would be greatly appreciated.

 

[saleen89559]

I have a recommendation...

Look at my post on Page 2 of this thread about my timer and CHE setup. As for a thermostat, you would only need to wire in a thermostat between the CHE circuit and Heat lamp circuit.

viewtopic.php?f=75&t=155086

 

[Shoulon]

you'll actually want a rheostat. the ReptiTemp 500R just turns the bulb on and off. So imagine the flickering thru the day of that happening? A rheostat will do automatic dimming to adjust and maintain a temperature.

As for wiring, Dont feel so scared. It really is easier then it intimidates to be.

Also the item u listed only allows temps above 122 degree F. so u couldnt use that anyway =/

 

[Jess]

Did you need the thermostat for the dubia or the beardie?

If it's for the roaches, get this one. I have this one and the Repti Temp one, and I like the Hydrofarm one MUCH better.
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTPRTC-Digital-Thermostat-Heat/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1331688407&sr=8-2

If it's for the beardie... I agree with the above post: Get a dimmer/rheostat! I use this one for Dud's CHE, basking light, and my roaches' heat cable.
http://www.amazon.com/Lutron-TT-300H-WH-Electronics-Plug-In-Dimmer/dp/B0000BYEF6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331688524&sr=8-1

I just use normal timers from the hardware store.