Which thermostat should I get?

[Jess]

I've been using a dimmer for Stanley's UTH, but apparently the temps in my house aren't very stable and the temperature in Stan's viv is fluctuating way too much. Stella has the Zoomed brand thermostat, and it works well but I'm not too fond of the dial on it and the extremely chunky probe. But if it is better than the other two, I'd buy another.
So, which one is the best?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZZG3S/ref=gno_cart_title_2

http://www.amazon.com/Zilla-Temperature-Controller/dp/B0018CLYNG/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1329156420&sr=1-2-catcorr

And this is the one that Stella has:
http://www.amazon.com/Zoo-Med-ReptiTemp-Remote-Thermostat/dp/B0002AQD9A/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1329156420&sr=1-3-catcorr

I need a better way to heat my roaches too. Right now I just have a human heat pad under it, but I'm pretty sure it's a fire hazard to have one running 24/7! I keep it on top of a metal utility shelf, so I was thinking of taping heat cable to the bars, and setting the bin on top of it. I'd regulate the heat with the extra dimmer. Does this sound OK, or are there any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Beardednoob]

I only have the zilla ones so going off from that, I find them to be of good quality but, you are looking at a rather large temperature sensor. The Hydrofarm seems to have a smaller sensor and has decent reviews.

 

[brianreaves128]

i would try getting a mini heat pad at a petstore and putting substrate on top as needed until u get the warmth u want

 

[Jess]

I ended up getting the Hyrdofarm one, and I LOVE it! It has a build-in digital thermometer that matches up exactly with my Accurite one, so I know it is accurate.

@Brian: Umm, that's not a good way to regulate heat at all. Thermostats not only keep the temperature consistent, but they will shut off if the heat mat over heats. Plus, if the reptile borrows through the substrate to the bottom, it could burn itself on the heater.

 

[shootthebunnies]

How are you liking the thermostat after having 6 weeks or so? I am thinking about going the same direction.

Thanks
Willis

 

[Jess]

I still really like it, and would definitely recommend getting it.

 

[ChrisMiller]

These are the only ones I run and love them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=aemavm-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B000NZZG3S&adid=0DQ0263AZQ1DFB5XAGDS&