Best Heater controller please

[JASON1238]

What is the best heater controller out there. Anything less than $150 preferably.

 

[zpak]

I would try too see if you can find a used reefkeeper or apex, worth it in the long run. does way more than be a heater controller.

 

[zpak]

End up saving money overall, don't have to buy separate controllers or timers for everything else like your lights.

 

[JASON1238]

Is the RKL hard to use? I would like to run 2 heaters in case one dies.

 

[reefwiser]

Ranco 50 bucks bullet proof.

 

[xmas_one]

I'm having good luck with ViaAqua titaniums, keeps the temp within 0.2 F.

 

[pdiehm]

I use the finnex heaters, they have their own control box, and eventually will set it up to an Apex unit.

 

[DaveMorris]

I would get a Ranco if all you want is heater control. The RKL is a good way to get into a basic controller that can do a little more. It is pretty easy to use and can deal with two heaters very easily.

 

[nuxx]

Just use our APEX and also have the heaters set a tiny bit higher than the APEX cutoff just incase the APEX messed up.

 

[zpak]

Is the RKL hard to use? I would like to run 2 heaters in case one dies.

not at all very easy to use. if you look around you can find good deals on used ones. I got mine on one of the local forums for cheap.

 

[zoomonster]

Just use our APEX and also have the heaters set a tiny bit higher than the APEX cutoff just incase the APEX messed up.

Exactly... heaters are probably one of the most likely items in your tank to kill everything (that and bad ATO's) and should always have redundant control. I use a coralvue 800w w/ controller set about a degree higher controlled by Apex. If either fails the other will shut off if temp gets too high. If both fail an alarm from Apex. If the heater itself fails Apex will alert when temp drops too low.

 

[jason2459]

heater's built in controller plugged into to a Ranco plugged into some kind of general controller like an Apex or Reefkeeper. Can't have to many backups and out of those I trust the Ranco over anything else.