People are often confused with the different types of thermostat and their application, so I’ll try and explain them here,

A thermostat does two things, it keeps the Vivarium or terrarium at a specific temperature via a heating source, and it is a safety device ensuring that the heater does not overheat and possibly catch fire.

When keeping Reptiles, amphibians, tarantulas we need to keep them at species specific temperatures this is where thermostats come in. We heat the vivariums in basically 4 ways bulbs, ceramic heaters, heat mats (including tube heaters) and aquarium heaters for turtle’s salamanders and some other amphibians.

Aquarium heaters mostly come as a heater thermostat combined so we will not discuss this as our main interest is in the dry thermostats.

At ValueAquatics we offer Thermostats by Komodo and Habistat. They are both well known and respected companies and have been making high quality products for many years.
What type of thermostat do I need?

Simply it depends on the heating source so we will start with the most popular the Heat mat. ValueAquatics recommend the Habistat Mat Stat (maximum load 100w) or the Komodo (maximum load 300w) habitat thermostats. Both are typically an on/off switch type and will control the temperature of the heat mat. Both calibrated in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Setting them up is very simple just follow the instructions that come with them. With heat mats lay or fix the thermostat probe on top and in the centre of the heat mat then put the substrate on the top, no more than about an inch thick.

Also used with greenhouse tube heaters and cable heaters.  

For heating with bulbs (incandescent and infra red) use a Dimmer type thermostat, that is one that slowly turns up and down rather than on or off. Similar to the light dimmers or rheostats in your home. This prolongs the life of the bulbs element and controls the heating ability of bulbs much better.

The Habistat dimming thermostat comes in two types a standard dimming and a day/night dimming thermostat. The Habistat dimming thermostat requires a minimum load of 40watts but a maximum of 600watts /230volts.

The Habistat Day/Night Dimming Thermostat is the same as the standard dimming thermostat but will allow for a drop the night-time temperature when attached to a timer.

Heating with ceramics use Habistat pulse proportional thermostat this supplies the power to the ceramic heater in regulated pulses giving a very accurate temperature. They greatly improve the life of the element as the heater rarely needs to run at full power. Controls heaters up to 600watts

Calibrated in Fahrenheit and Celsius

Habistat also do a Habistat Day/Night pulse proportional thermostat works in the same way as the standard pulse proportional thermostat but will allow for a drop the night-time temperature when attached to a timer. 

ValueAquatics offer two other Habistat thermostats the Habistat Temperature Thermostat which is a standard on/off type for heat mats, tube heaters, cables with a maximum load of 300w.

The Habistat Twin Thermostat is simply two on/off thermostats in one box. It is perfect for controlling two heaters separately to give a specific temperature gradient… For heat mats, tube heaters, cables where the maximum load is 300w on each heater.

John

For heating with bulbs (incandescent and infra red) use the Dimmer type thermostat, that is one that slowly turns the temperature up and down rather than on or off. Similar to the light dimmers or rheostats in your home. This prolongs the life of the bulbs element and controls the heating ability of bulbs much better.

The Habistat dimming thermostat comes in two types a standard dimming and a day/night dimming thermostat. The Habistat dimming thermostat requires a minimum load of 40watts but a maximum of 600watts /230volts. The Habistat Day/Night Dimming Thermostat is the same as the standard dimming thermostat but will allow for a drop the night-time temperature when attached to a timer.

The most popular type of heating is with a Heat mat. ValueAquatics recommend the Habistat Mat Stat (maximum load 100w). It is typically an on/off switch type and will control the temperature of the heat mat very accurately. The Habistat mat stat is calibrated in Fahrenheit and Celsius. Setting them up is very simple just follow the instructions that come with them. With heat mats lay or fix the thermostat probe on top and in the centre of the heat mat then put the substrate on the top, no more than about an inch thick. Also used with greenhouse tube heaters and cable heaters.

ValueAquatics offer two other Habistat on/off thermostats the Habistat Temperature Thermostat which is a standard on/off type for heat mats, tube heaters, cables with a maximum load of 300w.

The Habistat Twin Thermostat is simply two on/off thermostats in one box. It is perfect for controlling two heaters separately to give a specific temperature gradient… For heat mats, tube heaters, cables where the maximum load is 300w on each heater.

Mark…….

Heating with ceramics use Habistat pulse proportional thermostat this supplies the power to the ceramic heater in regulated pulses giving a very accurate temperature. They greatly improve the life of the element as the heater rarely needs to run at full power.  Use  for Ceramic Heat Emitters and reptile radiators.

Controls heaters up to 600watts. Calibrated in Fahrenheit and Celsius

Habistat also do a Habistat Day/Night pulse proportional thermostat works in the same way as the standard pulse proportional thermostat but will allow for a drop the night-time temperature when attached to a timer.

Komodo products are made by Underworld one of the biggest suppliers and manufacturers in the UK. Their Komodo Ceramic Light Fitting is heat resistant and designed with the reptile keeper in mind. The Ceramic light fitting is an Edison screw type NOT bayonet and so will take most makes of reptile bulbs and ceramic heat emitters. It comes with a good length of power cable, an inline manual on/off switch and fitted 3 pin plug. Fixing the fitting into a wooden vivarium could not be easier, I use a screw in hook screwed into the inside top of the vivarium and loop the cable in place then secure it with a tie wrap to stop it from slipping. Fixing a heater or bulb guard is easily slipped over the Ceramic fitting and screwed in place.

Can be used with the following lamps and heat emitters all of which can be supplied by ValueAquatics

Arcadia          D3 Compact Reptile Lamp 23w
Exo Terra       Solar Glo Sun Lamp 125w & 160w
Exo Terra       Sun Glo Neodymium Daylight Lamp 15w to 100w
Exo Terra       Night Glo Moonlight Lamp 15w to 150w
Exo Terra       Sun Glo Neodymium Daylight Basking Spot Lamp 50w to150w
Exo Terra       Sun Glo Tight Beam Basking Spot Lamp 50w to 150w
Exo Terra       Repto Glo 5.0 Compact  13w & 26w
Exo Terra       Repto Glo 10.0 Compact  13w & 26w
Exo Terra       Heat Glo Infra Red Lamp 50w to 150w
Exo Terra       Ceramic Heat Emitter Heat Wave Lamp 40w to 250w

SAFETY

All the above should be used with the appropriate thermostat.
Use a heat guard with any heat source.

John

Do you have problems growing plants in your aquarium? Do they just turn yellow and die? Then the problem is one of two things not enough food in the gravel or not enough light. Usually light is not a problem rather too much, that’s a problem for another day. Most people when setting up an aquarium do not think of the plants but rather more on the fish and just throw in the gravel (washed if it’s lucky) then fill it up with cold water add the plants then the filter, heater, lights etc., and switch on and wonder why the plants die off.

The main reason is that there is no food for the plants to live on; you would not live long without food. An aquarium is an enclosed system and virtually sterile when it is new and both fish and plants struggle for the first month or so until good bacteria and food is being produced. Plants get their food from sunlight and the roots, so at first you should supply the roots with some sort of fertiliser or feed and Valueaquatics have the answer TetraPlant Complete Substrate. This has been formulated to create the perfect natural substrate possible. It has all the elements to release nutrients over a long period of time supporting plants, micro-organisms and the well being of the fish. There is no added Nitrate or phosphate to encourage algae growth.

Setting up you aquarium.

It is very simple to use, simply add a 2cm layer of TetraPlant CompleteSubstrate to the bottom of the Aquarium and then cover this with 2-3cm of washed aquarium gravel. For best results use 1-3mm dia., aquarium gravel. It is important to wash the gravel as it contains a lot of dust, wash in small quantities not by the bucket. The best method is to use an old kitchen sieve and wash a few mugs full at a time under the cold water tap full on until the water runs clear from the bottom of the sieve, then put it into a bucket until you have enough to carry then tip this on top of the TetraPlant CompleteSubstrate. When finished put an old plate into the aquarium and a jug or large jar on the plate. Then fill the aquarium from a (hose not too fast) if you have a mixer tap use it to take the chill off the water not warm or hot, you might crack the glass. Run the water into the jug, the water fills the jug and runs down the sides onto the plate and fills the aquarium without disturbing the substrate. While this is filling add the Aquarium heater, filter(do not turn any electrics on leave them unplugged) and add the plants you will need more than you think, most people will spend £30+ on fish and wince at spending £5 on plants. For a 36” x 12” x 12” reckon on at least £30-£40 on plants for a general community aquarium.

When the Aquarium is filled to the required depth and you have all the Filters heaters, rocks, bogwood etc, set up, put the hood on and plug everything in one at a time checking each one is working. The heater look at it after a few minutes and you should see the convection currents raising from it, otherwise leave it running and check the thermometer every hour or so to see if the temperature is rising, you will get bubbles appearing on the inside glass and ornaments this is good and will disappear in 24 hours or so. There are two ways to go now the old fashioned way or the new. I can recommend the new unless you want to wait a week before adding any fish? Okay your impatient so after 24 hours and the temperature on the thermometer is showing 22-28°f the filter and lights are running correctly you can go to the Aquatics shop and get some fish but first make sure you have some Tetraaqua Tetra Safe Start and add 5ml of Safestart for every 6 litres of aquarium water and at the same time adding the fish, this is very important. ValueAquatics recommends a stocking level of adult fish equivalent to 1cm for every litre of Aquarium water.

Your Aquarium is now up and running enjoy it they will give hours of fun and entertainment. A couple of points: Some plants will float up just keep pushing them into the gravel. Take off and lead weights I find that they crush the stems so they rot rather than root. Any plants that keep floating take a small flattish stone and lay the plant down putting the stone on top of the bottom of the plant stalk. Leave it for a week or so then the stone can be taken off ant the plant will be rooted. The water may not be crystal clear at first, don’t worry the fine particles will soon settle and be taken out by the filter.

TetraPlant Complete Substrate available from ValueAquatics in 2.8kg & 5.8kg buckets Tetraaqua Tetra Safe Start is available from ValueAquatics in 50ml & 100ml.

John

The ADCH Reptile Ceramic Lamp Holder is designed as a bulb holder for fitting into a vivarium, specifically with reptiles in mind. It has a ceramic E27 bulb holder (screw in not bayonet) that is fixed on a metal bracket; the metal bracket is flexible so it can be angled to direct the lamp to a specific spot. It is easily fitted into the vivarium by screwing the bracket into position on a wooden surface (screws are not supplied). The ADCH unit can also be fixed to all glass Vivariums and Terrariums with sticky pads (not supplied) or glued in using Araldite. The ADCH unit comes complete with a good length power cable, on/off switch and fitted plug. It can be used with any screw fitting bulb up to 150w including the following which are available from Valueaquatics.

Arcadia          D3 Compact Reptile Lamp 23w
Exo Terra       Solar Glo Sun Lamp 125w & 160w
Exo Terra       Sun Glo Neodymium Daylight Lamp 15w to 100w,
Exo Terra       Night Glo Moonlight Lamp 15w to 150w
Exo Terra       Sun Glo Neodymium Daylight Basking Spot Lamp 50w to 150w
Exo Terra       Sun Glo Tight Beam Basking Spot Lamp 50w to 150w
Exo Terra       Repto Glo 2.0 Compact 13w & 26W
Exo Terra       Repto Glo 5.0 Compact  13w & 26w
Exo Terra       Repto Glo 10.0 Compact  13w & 26w
Exo Terra       Heat Glo Infra Red Lamp 50w to 150w
Exo Terra       Ceramic Heat Emitter Heat Wave Lamp 40w to 250w

SAFETY

All the above should be used with the appropriate thermostat.
Use a heat guard with any heat source.

John

Exo Terra Glo light reflectors are as you would expect from Exo Terra made to a very high standard. They are finished in black with a high gloss white interior to reflect both light heat and infra red heat. I have found these to be very sturdy, strong and value for money. The Glo Light can be used with the following types of lights and heating.
Spot bulbs to give a daylight hot basking spot with both the Exo Terra Neodymium and the tight beam spot lights and Exo Terra Night Glo that simulates moonlight for viewing those reptiles that like to be active at night.
They are perfect for the Repti Glo UV compacts in three different UV strengths 2.0, 5.0 and 10.0 in 13w & 26w.

Exo Terra ceramic heat emitters up to 150w, and the infra red Exo Terra infra red Heat Glo Lamps.

Exo Terra solar Glo mercury vapours lamps that give out both heat, UV A and UV B
They Can be used with most bulbs that are screw fitting.

They have a heat resistant porcelain socket and on/off switch

They are perfect for Incandescent, compact fluorescent, infra Red bulbs and ceramic heat emitters up to 150w

Included is a spring-loaded swivel clamp (You may need to put two screw in hooks into the vivarium or a block of wood to attach the clamp to)

ValueAquatics offer the Glo Light Reflectors in three sizes

PT2052 Small 14cm (5.5”)

PT2054 Medium 21cm (8.5”)

PT2056 Large 25cm (10”)

Clip on Guards will be available for these shortly

John

Hi There

Here at ValueAquatics we are always looking at giving our customers the best customer service, along with the best prices and range of products. We are always receptive to feedback so if you have any comments regarding any issues please let me know. If you think we can do better on price on any products, or you think there is something missing from our website, please let us know!

Contact Us

Thankyou
Jacqui…….

Monarch Aquarium Hoods are made from aluminium making them both light and very robust. The hoods come in two finishes black and silver, they have a flap on the top front that allows easy access for feeding and maintenance. A compartment at the back of the hood takes the lighting ballast unit, make sure it is firmly fixed into place, the hoods have push out holes to take the light tube, fittings and wiring. All the hoods are designed so that they will take the same size fluorescent tube sizes i.e., a 24” x 12” hood takes a standard 24” tube. All the hoods come complete with drip trays. ValueAquatics offer the Monarch Majestic Hoods in the following sizes.

18” x 12″
24” x 12”
30” x 12”
36” x 12”
48” x 12”

It is also possible with these units to add a second tube to increase the light intensity, the hoods are very well designed, and the black Monarch Majestic hood, goes well with any colour cabinet / stand. If your looking for a budget purchase say for a 2ft standard aquarium, to go in a childs bedroom for example, you won’t do better than a black 24inch Monarch Majestic  Hood combined with our budget Black Aquarium Stand, plus if you bought both you would get free next working day delivery.

John G & Mark H