The Exo Terra 100w Thermostat is an ON/OFF style thermostat used for maintaining the temperature inside reptile and amphibian enclosures.
It is well-built, has a waterproof temperature reading sensor, and controls one heating element. But is it worth buying? That’s precisely the question I’ll answer in this review.To give you the best possible review, I purchased one on Amazon and tested it myself.
Maintaining proper temperatures is critical for reptile health and wellbeing. The Exo Terra Thermostat 600W aims to help reptile owners achieve optimal heating. But how well does it actually perform? Here is an in-depth review of the Exo Terra Thermostat 600W.
Overview of the Exo Terra Thermostat 600W
The Exo Terra Thermostat 600W is designed to provide accurate temperature control for reptile enclosures. It has a dimming and pulse proportional function to maintain stable temperatures without overheating.
Key features include:
- Temperature range of 50°F to 140°F
- Separate daytime and nighttime temperature settings
- Large LCD screen displaying set and actual temps
- Built-in light sensor switches between day/night modes
- Waterproof probe safe for use with misters
- Controls heating devices up to 600 watts
The thermostat comes with a power cord and sensor probe with 6 foot cords It’s suitable for use with undertank heaters, ceramic heat emitters, and basking lamps.
Ease of Setup and Use
Most reviewers found the Exo Terra Thermostat 600W easy to set up. Plugging it in and positioning the light sensor are straightforward initial steps.
Adjusting the daytime and nighttime temperatures is simple – just press the sun or moon button and turn the dial. The thermostat automatically switches between settings based on its light sensor. An LED indicates when heating devices are activated
The large display and intuitive button dial system make the thermostat easy to use even for beginners. The heavy duty cables and remote probe allow flexible positioning options.
Temperature Control Accuracy
The Exo Terra Thermostat 600W gets high marks for temperature control accuracy from most users. The dimming and pulse proportional functions help maintain precise temperatures.
Some users did notice the thermostat initially overshooting the set temperature by a few degrees during initial setup. However, retaping the probe or repositioning it resolved the issue. The thermostat reliably maintained the desired temperature after tweaking.
For heating reptile racks, the Exo Terra Thermostat 600W performed even better. It precisely controlled a rack’s temperature for months without fluctuation.
Build Quality
Build quality is decent but not as rugged as higher end thermostat brands. The simple on/off Exo Terra models may be prone to clicking sounds during heating cycles.
However, the 600W model has sturdy, thick cables and a heavy duty probe designed for longevity. As long as the probe is positioned correctly, the overall quality is sufficient for most users’ needs.
Accessibility and Affordability
Unlike many thermostat brands, Exo Terra thermostats are widely available at major pet retailers. This makes them an accessible option when other brands are backordered for months.
They’re also competitively priced, ranging from $50-70. The cost represents a solid value for a thermostat with these features and reputation.
Final Verdict
The Exo Terra Thermostat 600W is a great choice for reptile owners needing an affordable and accessible thermostat. It may lack some bells and whistles of premium brands but provides reliable temperature control. Easy setup and use make it ideal for reptile-keeping beginners.
Overall, the Exo Terra Thermostat 600W delivers on its core purpose – enabling proper heating for reptile enclosures. Its wide availability and reasonable price point earn it a recommendation. It’s a wise investment for any reptile enthusiast.
Is It Worth Your Money?
Exo Terra has a list of quality products and this thermostat is no exception. It’s a decent thermostat… but is it worth $40 – $50? Another question: Are there better thermostats around the same price?
The first thing I noticed when unboxing this item was the thickness of the cords. There are two power plugins, one male and one female, and a cord with a temperature probe at the end. They’re incredibly sturdy cords. Truth be told, the cords are stiff and hard to work with.
The light on the front turns red to indicate when the heating is running. A dial on the back is used to set the temperature. You don’t need a manual to show you how to program it. It’s simple and easy to use. I like it…
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Quality Build
- Waterproof temperature sensor
- Controls up to 100 watts
- Lengthy power cables
Cons
- Thick cords are hard to work with
- Slightly expensive
- Max temperature at 95 °F
The Exo Terra 100w Thermostat is worth its price but I don’t recommend getting one unless you absolutely need a waterproof temperature probe.
Why? Well, there is another thermostat of similar quality that costs less money, and it’s easier to work with.
Don’t get me wrong. This is a great product. The setup process is great and the overall quality is noteworthy. However, I currently have 5 different reptile thermostats in my possession and I’ve gained enough insight to send you in a different direction.
My Experience with the Exo Terra 100w Thermostat
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the 100w thermostat was the thickness of the cords. They’re heavy, quality cords. In fact, they’re stiff and difficult to work with. This is my only gripe about this product and it’s not even that big of a problem.
Anyway, there are three cords. Two are power cords, one with a male end and one with a female end. The male end plugs into a power outlet in your home while the female end receives the male end of your heating element’s power cable. The third cord is the one with a temperature sensor at the end.
The temperature sensor is waterproof according to Exo Terra. You can see the temperature sensor or “probe” in the picture below.
Another neat thing about this thermostat is the 2nd power cord; the one you plug the heating element into. Most reptile thermostats don’t have this cord. Instead, they simply have a power socket on the side of the thermostat.
Having this cord gives you another 48-inches to work with! It might not sound like much but if you’re trying to conceal the thermostat or stretch the heater over a long distance, this extra length is very helpful.
On the opposite, one might prefer to have the female plugin socket on the thermostat and see the extra cord as a hindrance. It depends on your setup and preferences.
There is an analog dial on the back of the thermostat where you set the desired temperature. You can go from 68 °F to 95 °F. The dial is easy to turn. I was able to turn it with my fingernail but a flathead screwdriver or butter knife works great too.
The last feature worth mentioning is the light on the front. It turns red while the heating element is running. Here is a quick recap of the features:
- Controls up to 100 watts
- Works great with heating matts, ceramic heat emitters, heat bulbs
- ON/OFF style thermostat
- Long, heavy cords
- Waterproof temperature sensor
- Analog dial for setting the temperature
- Red light to indicate when heating element is running
Exo Terra | 600W Dimming & Pulse Proportional Thermostat
FAQ
What is the exo terra 600W thermostat with day night timer?
With the Exo Terra 600W Thermostat with Day/Night Timer & Dual Receptacles you can create a well-controlled 24-hour heating system that allows you to maintain the required temperature conditions similar to those found in a desert or tropical environment.
How does the exo terra thermostat work?
Simply connect your Heat Mat, Heat Cable, Ceramic Heater or Incandescent Heat Bulb to the Exo Terra Thermostat, set the preferred temperature and place the heat sensor in the desired spot. The recessed dial of the thermostat will prevent accidental temperature change if the device is being handled.
What is the difference between a thermostat and a dimming thermostat?
Dimming Thermostats
Furthermore, by varying the power supplied to the equipment, they can achieve better energy efficiency compared to on/off thermostats. On top of that, it makes them more suitable to use with heat bulbs, as the dimming setting brings less stress to the bulb’s filament.
What is the Exo Terra 600W dimming & pulse proportional thermostat?
The Exo Terra 600W Dimming & Pulse Proportional Thermostat is a device that allows you to create a well-controlled heating system with day/night function to maintain the required temperature conditions similar to those found in a desert or tropical environment.
How many Exo Terra thermostats are there?
Exo Terra offers three thermostats: the 100W, 300W, and 600W. The 100W and 300W models are similar, providing an on and off function but no pulse proportion. They are black boxes with LED indicator lights.
Does the Exo Terra 600W have a day/night timer?
The Exo Terra 600W Thermostat includes a day/night timer, allowing you to create a well-controlled 24-hour heating system that maintains the required temperature conditions similar to those found in a desert or tropical environment.
Is the Exo Terra thermostat waterproof?
The Exo Terra Thermostat 100W / 300W, on which this review is based, is ideal for controlling non-light heat sources, such as heat mats and ceramic heaters. This on/off thermostat comes with a waterproof probe, making it ideal for humid enclosures.
Can the Exo Terra thermostat be used with Mercury Vapor Bulbs?
The Exo Terra Thermostat 600W is suitable for setting day and night temperatures with confidence. It has a dimming system that is ideal to ensure excellent temperature gradients. However, the dimming system should not be used with mercury vapor bulbs. This thermostat can be used with a variety of heating products at the same time, such as a heat emitter and a fluorescent bulb.
How do I set the temperature on my Exo Terra thermostat?
To set the temperature on your Exo Terra thermostat, connect your Heat Mat, Heat Cable, Ceramic Heater or Incandescent Heat Bulb, set the preferred temperature with the push button/dial system, and place the heat sensor in the desired spot. The thermostat’s push button/dial system will prevent accidental changes of the set temperature if the device is being handled.