This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:24:48
The video features Emily from Snake Discovery testing and comparing three heavy-duty thermostats—Herpstat 2, Vivarium Electronics VE-300×2, and Freedom Breeder 120×2—commonly used in reptile keeping. Emily details the three thermostat regulation methods: on/off, pulse proportional, and dimmable proportional, explaining their suitability for different heating elements.
Key features across all models include dual probes, night drop capability, internal battery for settings retention, and variable power load capacities (900 watts for VE and Herpstat, 1200 watts for Freedom Breeder). Herpstat stands out with additional dimmable proportional mode and dual temperature units (Fahrenheit and Celsius). It also offers unique control over humidity levels via scheduled, sensed, or hybrid modes with a humidity probe.
The tests show that Herpstat and VE thermostats are accurate within one degree of the thermometer reading, though each brand has its strengths—Herpstat for its versatility, VE for data storage, and Freedom Breeder for being cost-effective and robust. Safety features such as high-low alarms and safety shutoff relays are present in all models, with Herpstat also planning wireless monitoring capabilities.
Warranty comparisons reveal that VE offers a limited lifetime warranty, Herpstat a one-year limited warranty, and Freedom Breeder promises replacements for manufacturer faults. The presenters conclude with a personal preference for Freedom Breeder due to its balance of cost and functionality, while acknowledging that Herpstat excels in functionality but at a higher price. Viewers are encouraged to consider their specific needs in reptile care before deciding.
00:00:00
In this segment, Emily from Snake Discovery introduces a video focused on testing and comparing three commonly used brands of heavy-duty thermostats: the Herpstat 2, the Vivarium Electronics VE-300×2, and the Freedom Breeder 120×2. She explains why these models were chosen, highlighting that each has two probes, making them directly comparable. She also notes the availability of other models with different numbers of probes for each brand. Emily describes the three methods that thermostats can use: on/off mode, pulse proportional, and dimmable proportional. To illustrate these methods, she uses a heat lamp instead of a heat mat, as the lamp visibly shows when power is supplied. The on/off mode is detailed as the simplest method, where the heating element turns on or off based on the temperature reading from the thermostat’s probe, but it is not ideal for light-emitting devices due to constant on-off cycling.
00:03:00
In this segment of the video, the speaker explains three types of thermostats used for regulating heat mats and heat emitters for reptiles.
1. **On/Off Thermostats**: These activate the heating element when the temperature drops two degrees below the set point and turn it off when it rises two degrees above the set point. While not ideal for light bulbs due to frequent cycling, they are suitable for non-light-emitting heat sources.
2. **Pulse Proportional Thermostats**: These send pulses of energy to the heating element to control temperature, adjusting the strength and duration of pulses. They are effective for non-light-emitting heaters but are not recommended for light bulbs as the fluctuating light can be disruptive and may shorten the bulb’s lifespan.
3. **Dimming Proportional Thermostats**: These provide a constant stream of energy with variable voltage, akin to a dimming light bulb, gradually increasing brightness to reach and maintain the desired temperature. This method is ideal for heating lamps and halogen bulbs but not suitable for mercury vapor bulbs or compact fluorescents, as these should not be dimmed.
The speaker also notes that while minor temperature fluctuations are not harmful to most reptiles, consistent temperatures are crucial for incubators and specific reptile needs.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the presenter compares various brands of thermostats used in reptile keeping. All the brands reviewed—Herpstat, VE, and Freedom Breeder—feature pulse proportional mode. The Herpstat also includes a dimmable proportional mode, whereas VE and Freedom Breeder include an on/off mode. Common features among all three brands include dual probes, night drop capability, internal battery for settings retention during power outages, and availability of setup videos, although VE does not have an official one. Differences noted include probe length (Herpstat’s 12 feet vs. VE and Freedom Breeder’s 10 feet), probe jack types, and materials (metal-tipped for Herpstat and Freedom Breeder, plastic for VE). Additionally, the power load capacity varies, with VE and Herpstat supporting 900 watts and Freedom Breeder supporting 1200 watts. The presenter highlights the importance of using brand-specific replacement probes to avoid compatibility issues.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, various thermostats for controlling reptile environments are compared in terms of their power capacity, data storage, temperature display units, design, and functionality modes. Key points include:
1. **Power Capacity**: The Freedom Raiders offer up to 1,200 watts.
2. **Data Storage**: Herps Tent and VE thermostats save temperature history; Freedom Breeder does not.
3. **Temperature Display**: VE and Freedom Breeder display in Fahrenheit only, while Herpstat shows both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
4. **Design**: VE and Freedom Breeder are designed to stack; Herps Tet is not but has a flat top and base.
5. **Modes and Functions**:
– Freedom Breeder: Pulse Proportional and On/Off modes.
– VE Thermostat: Pulse Proportional and On/Off modes.
– Herpstat: Pulse and Dimming modes.
6. **Light and Heat Lamp Compatibility**:
– Herpstat and Freedom Breeder have light modes.
– Herpstat’s dimming feature works well with lights.
– VE Thermostat is less suited for lights/heat lamps.
7. **Additional Features**: Herpstat can control and maintain humidity with proper equipment plugged into it.
The segment concludes with a discussion on using Herpstat for both lighting and humidity control, highlighting its versatility but also noting the need for compatible equipment to fully utilize its features.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker explains the different methods for controlling humidity in an enclosure using the Herpstat thermostat. There are three modes: scheduled, sensed, and hybrid. The scheduled mode allows programming misting or fogging at specific times, while the sensed mode activates based on humidity levels detected by a special humidity probe, which costs about $55 and is currently hard to find. The hybrid mode combines both scheduled and sensed features.
After detailing these humidity control methods, the speaker decides to test the accuracy of the thermostats. They plan to use a single probe from each thermostat for the experiment, setting them to 90 degrees and placing the probe on a specified location. The testing involves using the pulse proportional mode to ensure consistency across all thermostats. Starting with the Herpstat, the thermostat shows a 100% voltage capacity being pushed into the heat mat, maintaining a temperature around 89 degrees, while the thermometer reads 90 degrees.
00:15:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter evaluates the accuracy of three different thermostats – the Herpstat, the VE thermostat, and the Freedom Breeder thermostat, after using them for a few months. All three thermostats maintained steady temperatures and could program the variance range. The tests showed that both the Herpstat and VE thermostats were only one degree off the alcohol thermometer reading, demonstrating high accuracy. However, while the VE thermostat website faced accessibility issues due to exceeded bandwidth, the Freedom Breeder thermostat offered more detailed information on its screen although it had a steeper learning curve for programming. Despite different user experiences, all three were found to be very accurate in maintaining set temperatures.
00:18:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the safety features of three thermostat brands, particularly focusing on the Herb Stat model. They highlight the Herb Stat’s four-digit passcode feature, preventing children from accidentally changing the temperature. At a show, a representative mentioned future plans for the Herb Stat to work with wireless devices, allowing users to monitor temperatures via an app. The essential safety feature all three thermostats have is a safety shutoff relay, which prevents overheating by shutting down the unit. To confirm this, the speaker voided the warranties to inspect the relays inside each unit. Additionally, all models include a high-low alarm for temperature alerts. Lastly, they compare the prices of the thermostats, noting that the Herb Stat often has a 10% discount at reptile shows, making it $176, while the VE model stays at $195, and the Freedom Breeder is priced at $175 online.
00:21:00
In this segment of the video, the discussion focuses on comparing different thermostat brands for reptile enclosures. Key points include the warranty details for each brand: Herp Stat offers a one-year limited warranty, VE thermostats have a limited lifetime warranty, and Freedom Breeder provides a warranty that includes sending a new thermostat if it’s a manufacturer fault. The Herp Stat is highlighted as the best option for those needing temperature and humidity measurement, with dimmable features, while the Freedom Breeder is praised for its cost-effectiveness. The VE thermostat is noted for its higher price and lower functionality in comparison. The video concludes with the presenters’ subjective preference for the Freedom Breeder and encourages viewers to do their own research. Thanks are extended to Patreon supporters who funded the research for the video.
00:24:00
In this part of the video, the discussion revolves around the functionalities of the Herpstat device, specifically its capabilities in pulse proportional dimming and controlling humidity. The speakers also note a minor one-degree difference observed in their quick comparison of thermostats.