Let's talk thermostats! Are they really needed? And why?
A thermostat is an apparatus that independently manages temperature by activating a heating or cooling system when the temperature reaches a predetermined level.
Why do we need thermostats?
Hermit crabs residing in captivity throughout Australia are often situated outside their natural environments, which likely results in temperatures that differ from those they experience in the wild. Consequently, it is the responsibility of owners to regulate the temperatures within their enclosures to maintain conditions that are both safe and conducive to the well-being of the hermit crabs, ensuring their continued happiness and health.
Achieving this can be quite challenging. The heat and humidity of your crabitat are frequently affected by the external local weather conditions and the temperature and humidity levels within your home. While individuals living in the warmer regions of Australia may not encounter this issue, those residing in cooler areas such as Victoria or Tasmania often experience extremely cold winters and very hot summers, along with unpredictable weather patterns in between.
If you frequently travel, work full-time, or have a busy schedule with children, you may find it challenging to consistently monitor and maintain the optimal temperatures in your crabitat.
This is where a thermostat proves to be useful. Thermostats typically consist of four key components.
The power cord connected to the wall outlet, supplying electricity to the thermostat.
The thermostat unit itself, which displays temperatures for monitoring and contains the control buttons.
The heating and cooling outlet integrated into the thermostat unit, where the heat source is connected.
The temperature sensor probe, located at the end of a long cord, placed inside the tank to measure the temperature.
When individuals commonly hear the term "thermostat," they typically associate it with their home's central heating system—a wall-mounted device used to regulate heating and cooling. However, this is not the type of thermostat we are discussing here.
What is required in this context is an outlet thermostat temperature controller. These devices are frequently utilized to manage the temperatures of refrigerators, freezers, gardening environments, homebrewing setups, aquariums, and various industrial applications.
Let us discuss the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing a temperature controller thermostat.
PROS -
• Automatically regulates the temperature of your crabitat, reducing the need for constant monitoring.
• Built-in Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to check temperature readings remotely.
• Maintains temperatures within specified parameters, preventing overheating or excessive cooling.
• Ensures a consistent temperature gradient within the crabitat, minimizing stress from temperature fluctuations.
• Conserves electricity by deactivating the heat source once the ideal temperature is reached.
• Allows you to set alarms to notify you if the temperature exceeds the programmed maximum or minimum levels.
• Compatible with both heat mats and heat cords.
• Features a digital display and a mobile app for the Wi-Fi version.
• Supports up to 1000 watts of heating capacity.
• Can be configured to display temperatures in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.
CONS -
• The setup process and understanding the usage instructions can occasionally be challenging.
• The cost can be high, varying with brand and features.
• Typically, there is a lack of multiple sockets for supporting more than one heat source.
• In reality, there are not many disadvantages.
Having decided to purchase a thermostat, which one should you choose?
Numerous temperature controllers are available on the market; therefore, it is advisable to conduct thorough research to identify the one that best meets your requirements and budget.
In my experience, I consistently recommend the Inkbird Thermostat brand. I utilize this thermostat for all four of my hermit crab tanks. It is also among the most frequently used temperature controllers by Australian hermit crab enthusiasts.
The installation process is straightforward, and the pricing is very reasonable. Inkbird provides both a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat and a standard non-Wi-Fi model, allowing you to choose based on your preferences. I own both versions and have found them to be user-friendly and problem-free. However, I personally favour the Wi-Fi model for its convenience when I am away from home.
Inkbird presently provides two distinct types of temperature controllers frequently used for crabitats, which we will discuss below.
ITC-308
This classic model is available in both Wi-Fi and non-Wi-Fi versions, providing dual-stage output to control both heating and cooling. However, if you need to manage multiple heat sources, this model may not be suitable as it only offers a single heating outlet.
Estimated Purchase Price: $36
Wi-Fi Version: $50
ITC-308S
The functions of this device are identical to those of the ITC-308, with one significant distinction: the probe of the 308S is fully detachable and replaceable in the event of damage. Damaged probes within your tank will fail to provide accurate readings.
Currently, this controller is not available in a Wi-Fi version.
Estimated Purchase Price: $34
ITC-306T
This controller is designed exclusively for heating devices. A notable feature is its capability to support two outlet sockets, allowing simultaneous control of two heating devices. Additionally, this series includes a Wi-Fi-enabled version.
Estimated Purchase Price: $30
Wi-Fi Version: $46
Having established the significant benefits of thermostats, the next step is to determine where to purchase them.
Alternatively, you can buy directly from the Inkbird website or conduct a thorough search on Google to find the best price. It is advisable to compare prices across different vendors, as there may be variations in pricing.
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