Thermostat and heat cord for GTP Hatchling

[Dragonstone]

Hi guys,

Just in the middle of setting up a tub for a Native GTP hatchling I'll be receiving in 2-3 weeks. Can anyone point me in the direction of a suitable Thermostat and heat cord combo?

Don't wanna break the bank as I just spent the money on the snake

 

[CrystalMoon]

I am not sure if I am supposed to endorse particualr brands? However my general rule of thumb is I don't skimp on heating etc, I know nothing is fool proof. You get what you pay for is my motto, I get what you're saying though

 

[andynic07]

I bought a cheap heat cord from reptile direct and used a B1 dimming thermostat because I had one that I wasn't using but think any thermostat would work fine as I have used a cheap one for another cord that worked fine.
I also built something for mine that insulated the whole top and three sides of one end with the base and end wall both heated with a cord under tile.

 

[Bushman]

It's wise to get a good quality thermostat that is probably going to be more reliable than the cheap ones.
I've found Habistat to be a good and reliable moderately priced thermostat. The rubber coated, flexible, grey, heat cord that is readily available is pretty good and has the advantage of being water-resistant, which is helpful with this species.

 

[andynic07]

It's wise to get a good quality thermostat that is probably going to be more reliable than the cheap ones.
I've found Habistat to be a good and reliable moderately priced thermostat. The rubber coated, flexible, grey, heat cord that is readily available is pretty good and has the advantage of being water-resistant, which is helpful with this species.

Microclimate B1 thermostats are also supposed to be good quality at a reasonable price but I have had two go faulty leaving full power onto the heat source and have heard of a few more people having the same problem. Most thermostats will have a 6 month warranty meaning that the company thinks that the majority will last over that time and that is all you really need for a hatchling tub running cord and that is why I think for the purpose cheap ones are fine but if you need the thermostat for the full-time enclosure as well maybe buy a decent dimming thermostat.

 

[Dragonstone]

Okay guys, thanks. A quick google shows these around $100, thats not too bad. I also found Ecotech, does anyone own these? I like the LED display.

 

[andynic07]

Okay guys, thanks. A quick google shows these around $100, thats not too bad. I also found Ecotech, does anyone own these? I like the LED display.

$100 will only be an on/off type which you can only use on a cord or CHE or mat but if you intend on using it for a light will not be the best option, you will need a dimming thermostat which will be $125 up depending where you get it. The ECOtech ones are the cheaper variety that I was talking about for around $60 and I hacve one , the thermostat still seems to work but the screen has gone dull which I have heard happens to most after three months.

 

[Dragonstone]

My intended use is just heat as I wont be needing any light as it'll be in the tub for a while

 

[Hoplophile]

Habistats are excellent. However remember that your little GTP will spend most of it's time on a perch and while heat chords are great for warming the floor of an enclosure (eg good for terrestrial species) and can work well in a relatively enclosed rack system, they're often not an ideal way to get high ambient temperatures on a perch..at least not without causing a very hot spot on the floor. It depends a bit on where you live and the natural ambient temperature but I'd do a bit of research to see if this will be the best method for you. Hatchies often do well in plastic click clacks placed inside another enclosure that operates at a stable temperature for instance.

 

[Dragonstone]

I live on the Gold Coast so its fairly warm, winter is low 20's. I'm currently just going off research I've been doing plus the breeders recommendations.

Heat cord with a small layer of water in the plastic tub to maintain humidity.

Thanks for everyones advice so far, keep it coming

 

[andynic07]

This is the setup that I made and I live half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast so similar temperatures.

 

[Dragonstone]

Thanks for sharing the pics

 

[andynic07]

The heat cord and tile is under 1/3 of the tub and up the end and I found that I had good temperatures on the perch without a hot floor. The insulated lid that I also made helped keep the heat in so the cord was not running as much.

Edit: I have heard of the over water method which is apparently quite good but my breeder said that they do not need that much moisture and I did not even have sphagnum as you can see but sprayed every two to three days and had no troubles with my one.