The Zoo Med ReptiTemp® 500R Thermostat/Remote Sensor is an economical way to make sure your box turtle’s habitat stays at the right temperature. It can be mounted on the habitat, out of the way. And the 6-foot cord on the remote sensor probe is long enough that you can monitor the temperature in any part of the habitat, no matter where you mounted the control unit.
You can also plug it into a timer so that you can let the temperature drop automatically at night (no remembering to unplug or reset your heat device!).
Maintaining proper temperatures in your reptile’s enclosure is crucial for their health and wellbeing The Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat allows reptile owners precise control over heating and cooling to create an optimal habitat. But how does it actually perform? Here is an in-depth review of the features, pros, cons and overall value of the Zoo Med ReptiTemp thermostat.
Overview of the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp is a temperature control system designed for use with reptile heating and cooling devices It features an LCD display with simple programming via two buttons – Mode and Set
The thermostat can control up to 600W of heating products like under tank heaters and ceramic heat emitters. It also works with cooling fans up to 150W. The included remote sensor probe allows you to monitor air or substrate temperature from up to 6 feet away.
Key features of the ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat include:
- Temperature range of 50°F to 122°F (10°C to 50°C)
- Switches between heat and cool modes
- Large LCD shows temps in °F or °C
- Remote probe with 6ft cable length
- Controls up to 600W heating and 150W cooling
- Alarm for extreme temp fluctuations
- Memory maintains settings after power loss
Review of the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Thermostat’s Design and Functionality
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp has a simple, no-frills design. The black control box measures approximately 3” x 7” x 7.5” and weighs just over 1lb.
The LCD takes up the majority of the front display, with the power outlet situated just below it. The power cord and remote temperature probe plug into either side. The probe can be mounted inside the enclosure with the included suction cup and the thermostat positioned nearby outside the habitat.
Despite its basic appearance, the ReptiTemp offers reliable performance. The LCD clearly displays set and actual temps and makes switching between Celsius and Fahrenheit a breeze. The simple two-button programming is easy to use after reading the instructions.
The thermostat reliably turns connected heating and cooling devices on and off to maintain your set temperature range. The remote probe allows you to measure air or substrate temp to ensure your reptile has a proper thermal gradient.
While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of more advanced thermostat models, the Zoo Med ReptiTemp provides accurate temperature control in a streamlined package.
Key Features and Benefits of the ReptiTemp Thermostat
Here are some of the best highlights of using the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat:
-
Precise Temperature Control – Maintain a stable temperature within 0.5°F of your set point.
-
Wide Temperature Range – Suitable for species with varying heating needs from 50-122°F.
-
LCD Display – Clear readout of set temperature and actual temperature.
-
Remote Probe – Monitor air or substrate temp from up to 6 feet away.
-
Heat and Cool Modes – Automatically switch between heating and cooling.
-
Safety Alarm – Audible alarm if habitat temp deviates dangerously high or low from set point.
-
Internal Memory – Settings saved even after power loss.
-
Easy Setup – Get up and running quickly with included instructions.
-
Compact Size – Fits discretely next to most enclosures.
What Are Owners Saying in Their Zoo Med ReptiTemp Reviews?
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat scores an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 1,700 reviews on Amazon. Here are some of the most common pros and cons owners mention:
PROS
- Accurate and consistent temperature regulation
- Simple programming and use
- Durable construction and reliability
- Alerts for unsafe temperature fluctuations
- Affordable price point
CONS
- Bright LCD display can be distracting at night
- Probe cord may be too short for some enclosures
- Lacks humidity control or dimming capabilities
Most negative reviews seem to revolve around the lack of added features for the price. But for those seeking basic thermostat functionality, the ReptiTemp delivers solid performance.
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Thermostat Setup and Use
Setting up the Zoo Med ReptiTemp is straightforward. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:
-
Set up enclosure with heating/cooling devices installed.
-
Place remote probe in desired location using suction cup.
-
Mount control unit outside enclosure nearby.
-
Plug thermostat into power outlet.
-
Connect heating/cooling device to thermostat power cord.
-
Turn connected devices on.
-
Use Mode and Set buttons to program temperature range and other settings.
Programming the thermostat is easy with the included instructions. You can set your desired temperature in Celsius or Fahrenheit and switch between heating and cooling modes. The alarm feature alerts you if habitat temperature strays too far from set point.
Once powered on, the ReptiTemp will automatically maintain your programmed temp range by turning equipment on and off as needed. Just be sure to position the remote probe properly to get an accurate reading.
Is the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat Worth the Investment?
With an MSRP around $50, the Zoo Med ReptiTemp hits a reasonable price point for a no-frills reptile thermostat. It lacks some of the features of pricier models, but provides high accuracy and consistent temperature control.
The ReptiTemp is best suited for:
-
Reptile owners who want accurate temperature regulation without advanced features.
-
Breeders or those with multiple enclosures to equip.
-
Keepers who need both heating and cooling capabilities.
The ReptiTemp may not be the best choice for:
-
Those wanting comprehensive climate control (humidity, lighting, etc).
-
Reptiles species with more complex heating needs.
-
Owners needing a longer remote probe cord length.
While it won’t satisfy those wanting a multifunctional thermostat, the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat is an affordable and user-friendly option for most keepers needing reliable temperature regulation for their reptile habitat.
The Bottom Line on Zoo Med’s ReptiTemp Thermostat
For accurately controlling heating and cooling devices to maintain proper reptile habitat temperatures, the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat delivers solid performance and ease of use.
Though it lacks some of the advanced features of pricier models, it provides the core functionality most reptile owners need at an affordable price. For those seeking a no-frills, entry-level thermostat for basic temperature regulation, the ReptiTemp is a great choice.
Overall, the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat earns high marks for its accuracy, reliability, safety features, and simplicity of use. While not loaded with extras, it provides quality temperature control for your reptile’s enclosure at a reasonable price point.
How The ReptiTemp 500R Thermostat Works
This device senses the temperature in your boxie’s habitat and turns on or off to keep that temperature as close as possible to the temperature you set.
It will turn on when it senses the temperature has dropped too far below your set temperature. It stays on until the temperature has risen to or slightly above your set temperature. At this point it turns off and the cycles starts over. The indicator light tells you if it’s on or off.
Several reviewers have said their units maintained the temperature within 1 degree of the temperature set. This is very good for an on/off type of thermostat. The temperature swings with these can sometimes be as high as 5 degrees. (A few people apparently did see these larger temperature swings).
It’s important to realize that this on/off cycle will cause light-emitting heat lamps to also turn on and off as the temperature cycles. If you find this irritating, you may want to use a different kind of controller or use non-light emitting heaters, like a ceramic heat lamp.
Getting the temperature set is a little annoying with this model, because the dial does not show what temperature you are setting it to, so you basically have to guess. And it does not display the temperature in your habitat, either, so you need to use a second thermometer placed right next to the probe to make sure you get it right. It can take some time (generally from about 30 minutes to an hour) to get the temperature where you want it.
You’ll also want to keep a thermometer in the habitat all the time to keep monitoring the temperature and make sure the thermostat keeps working.
But once you have it set, it seems to work well. And it has a protective cover over the dial, so you won’t accidentally change the setting and have to do it all over again. Some reviewers did have trouble with the cover not fitting over the cords for their heat source (the slots cut to accommodate the cords are too small). If you put the controller in a spot where you’re not likely to bump it, then this shouldn’t be a major issue. If you are likely to bump it, then you might want a different controller.
You can plug two heat sources into this device, but make sure the total wattage is not more than 500.
You can also plug it into a timer so that it doesn’t run at night, allowing your boxie’s habitat to cool off at night, like in nature. Depending on your room temperature, you may or may not need a secondary heat source to keep the temperature from dropping too much.
Keep in mind that thermostats can’t make your heat source put out more heat than it would when plugged directly into the wall. So if your habitat is not getting warm enough, your heat source may not be strong enough. You’ll either need to use one with a higher wattage or try adding a second one (just make sure the combined wattage is not more than 500).
Keep reading for more about the ReptiTemp Thermostat:
This thermometer can sense and maintain temperatures from about 70° F to 110° F (21° C to 43° C). Since box turtles are generally happy with temperatures between about 70° and 80° F, with a basking area around 85° F, this range is acceptable.
Do keep in mind that with this kind of thermostat, “maintain” means keeping temperatures within a range around your set temperature, not right at your set temperature. Box turtles can tolerate temperature variation just fine, so you don’t need to worry about that.
The variation does seem to be very small, so it’s probably suitable for other reptiles you may own too, even those that need tight temperature control. But then again, you may not want to risk it.
Zoo Med ReptiTemp® Digital Thermostat
FAQ
Are digital thermostats reliable?
Digital thermostats excel in maintaining accurate temperature control with minimal fluctuations, contributing to enhanced energy efficiency compared to the …
How does a terrarium thermostat work?
They do this by accurately assessing the temperature using their precise sensors, then sending electrical signals to your heating equipment to either turn it on or off, pulse at intervals or become a few degrees hotter or colder, depending on the type of thermostat you have chosen.
What is in thermostats?
Thermostats use different types of sensors to measure temperatures and actuate control operations. Mechanical thermostats commonly use bimetallic strips, converting a temperature change into mechanical displacement, to actuate control of the heating or cooling sources.