Product Reviews

[guidofatherof5]

I was thinking a thread where we could do product reviews might come in handy. Many things we use may not be designed for our Thamnophis friends but sharing the good and the bad of these products might save someone money and a headache. It also shares the great ideas that are out there.
I'll get things started with this:

Digital Heat Mat Thermostat by Hydrofarm Horticultural Products. Hydrofarm - Grow Lights, Hydroponics and More for all Your Horticultural Needs! I purchased mine off Amazon for under $26.00 delivered. Model MTPRTC

It is made to control 1 heat mat. It is rated at 1000 watts max. Mine is controlling a 12" long section of 11 inch flexwatt.
I placed the temp. sensor under the substrate. Setting it up was easy. Adjusting the max. temp you want the heat mat to reach was very simple. It will reach the max. temp you have entered and turn the mat off. Looks like the temp drops 3 degrees then it cycles on again.
There are other thermostats out there, some that control up to 4 mats at a time but they are in the $350-$400 range. Granted these other thermostats have alarms built-in and other features but they are pricey.

I feel this is a very good entry level device. I personally would rather buy 4 of these for $100 and at some point probably will. It comes with a 1 year warranty so be sure to keep for paper work.

[Invisible Snake]

Great idea on starting this thread Steve!

[BUSHSNAKE]

ZooMed "moss brick"...im lost without it.

[guidofatherof5]

ZooMed "moss brick"...im lost without it.

Joe, It would be great if you can tell us about this product and maybe supply a link also. Thanks.

[kueluck]

Amazon.com: Zoo Med New Zealand Sphagnum Moss, .33 Pounds (150 grams): Pet Supplies is it this? Zoo Med has lots of different kinds of moss.

ZooMed "moss brick"...im lost without it.

[BUSHSNAKE]

ok..ok...for 10 bucks you get a bunch! i put it into open deli cups for my baby enclosures, it raises the humidity and the snakes love to hide in it...same for adults but i just throw it in there and again its good cuz you can spray it to raise the humity the snakes can hide in it, it spot cleans easily and it doesnt threaten your pets life if they swallow some and it looks good, adds color to your enclosures

[kueluck]

Sani Chips for substrate. Low to no dust so Zena breathes easy, she can burrow in this better than anything else I've used i.e. aspen chips, carefresh and carefresh ultra. It clumps like cat litter so cleaning is a breeze. Check out the review, I love this stuff. Native Earth Aspen Sani Chips 2.2 Cubic Foot Bedding | NationalPetPharmacy There are several different companies that offer this product.

[BUSHSNAKE]

oops no its the exo terra forest moss i use, it comes in a brick like cocofiberits green, light and fluffy

[snake man]

I can give a bad review, Do not waste your money on the "specail" reptile bulds sold at pet stores. I mistakenly bought 2 bulbs and I think collectively they lasted 2 weeks before burning out or something going wrong. When I use just a regular bulb(from walmart or anywhere really) it is still going and works just the same.

[ConcinusMan]

I can give a bad review, Do not waste your money on the "specail" reptile bulds sold at pet stores. I mistakenly bought 2 bulbs and I think collectively they lasted 2 weeks before burning out or something going wrong. When I use just a regular bulb(from walmart or anywhere really) it is still going and works just the same.

Exactly the same experience I had. I now use sunbeam household flood lamps I get for $1. They last longer than the $17 bulbs for reptiles, which are totally unnecessary. Slap a ZooMed label on it and somehow the value of a damn incandescent bulb goes to $17? C'mon.