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.
The Exo Terra thermostats are a popular choice for controlling heat sources in reptile enclosures They come in 100w, 300w and 600w models to suit different heating requirements. In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Exo Terra 100w and 300w thermostats which share a similar on/off style design
Overview of the Exo Terra 100w and 300w Thermostats
The Exo Terra 100w and 300w thermostats have a sleek black box design with a simple turn dial on the back for setting your desired temperature They can control temperatures from 68°F to 95°F
These thermostats use an electronic Triac switch to maintain precise temperatures by turning the heating element on and off as needed, A handy red indicator light on the front lets you know when the heater is activated,
A key feature is the 6 foot waterproof temperature probe. This allows monitoring and control of temperatures in humid vivariums. The probe cord is quite thick and stiff which can make positioning a little tricky.
Both models have lengthy power cords for flexibility in setups. The 300w model can handle a higher wattage heating element, but otherwise they have identical features.
Ease of Setup and Use
The Exo Terra thermostats are very easy to set up. Simply plug in your heat mat or ceramic heater, insert the temperature probe, set your desired temperature on the dial and plug it in. The bright red light indicates when the heating element switches on to reach the set temperature.
The recessed dial helps avoid accidental temperature changes. The long probe cord provides flexibility in positioning the sensor where you need it.
These thermostats work well with heat mats, ceramic bulb heaters and other reptile heating elements up to their rated wattage. The waterproof probe makes them suitable for humid terrariums.
Reliability and Accuracy
In testing, the Exo Terra thermostats provided excellent temperature control within ±1°F of the set point once stabilized. The on/off switching cycles smoothly without significant overshoot.
The build quality is very good with sturdy cables and housing. Exo Terra is a proven brand, and their thermostats have a solid reputation for reliability compared to generic thermostat models.
The simplicity of the analog dial makes it easy to precisely adjust your temperature set point. The bright indicator light gives you clear feedback on heating operation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Accurately maintains set temperatures
- Easy turn dial temperature adjustment
- Long probe cord for flexible positioning
- Handy ON indicator light
- Waterproof temperature probe
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Probe cord is thick and stiff
- No digital temperature readout
- Limited to 100w or 300w heating elements
The Exo Terra 100w and 300w thermostats provide accurate and reliable temperature control for reptile heating elements. The waterproof probe and lengthy cords make them flexible for use in humid vivariums.
While they lack some of the advanced features of more expensive thermostats, their simplicity and proven performance make them a great choice for basic reptile heating needs. The Exo Terra brand reputation provides peace of mind.
Overall, these thermostats offer very good value for money. If you need a basic, no-frills thermostat for heat mats or ceramic heaters, the Exo Terra 100w or 300w models are recommended. They will provide accurate, reliable temperature control for creating your ideal reptile habitat.
More Exo Terra Thermostats
Exo Terra was two other thermostats. One of them is very similar to this. The only difference is that it controls up to 300 watts. Their other one is quite a bit different.
The Exo Terra 600w thermostat is a dimming and pulse proportional thermostat with dual receptacles. It allows for two different heating elements and it controls up to 600 watts. It’s their high-end thermostat.
You can see each version on Amazon using the links below.
Full disclosure: I did not review the 300w or 600w versions. All of Exo Terra’s thermostats have great customer ratings across the board (4 out of 5 stars). I suspect the build quality is similar to that of the 100w version but, again, I haven’t personally tested the 300w or 600w versions of this thermostat.
Who The Exo Terra 100w Thermostat Is For…
I think this thermostat is for someone who absolutely needs a waterproof temperature sensor and only needs to control a single heating element.
Another reason someone might choose this product is due to the length of the cords. The female end of the power cord, the part where the heating element plugs into the thermostat, is 48-inches in length. Most thermostats don’t have this cord; the heater plugs into the thermostat.
The extra cord length can be good or bad, depending on your setup. If this is important to you, it’s worth considering.
On the same note, the cords are stiff. They’re quality power cables but they’re hard to work with. I had a difficult time getting the temperature sensor to stay in one spot.
ExoTerra 300w Review and Incubator Update
FAQ
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 reptile thermostat dimming and pulse?
Dimming thermostats are similar to a pulse but instead of sending packets of energy it will simply reduce the amount of energy being sent.Jun 14, 2017
How to heat an exo terra terrarium?
Devices like heat bulbs, ceramic heaters, heat mats, heat cables and heat rocks simulate natural conditions by raising the overall temperature and heating specific surfaces inside the terrarium. This will stimulate the natural thermo-regulating behaviour of the animal.
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.
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.
How does the Exo Terra thermostat work?
Exo Terra’s 100w Thermostat controls one heating element by turning it on or off depending on the temperature. It is an “ON/OFF thermostat”, which means exactly what it sounds like: it controls the temperature by turning the heater on and off. It’s well-built, having thick cords and a water-proof temperature sensor.
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.
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.
What is the Exo Terra Digital Thermometer?
The Exo Terra Digital Thermometer is a combination thermometer and hygrometer with a remote sensor for accurate measurement and durability. The Exo Terra Digital Thermo-Hygrometer is a 2-in-1 precision instrument equipped with a remote combined sensor for accurate temperature and humidity indication.