Best Temperature Controller Option? ATO?

[Beausoleiljacob]

Hi Everyone!
I need a different temperature controller. I originally bought the JBJ True Temp, but it hasn't been very reliable. I have had to reset it like 10 times in the last day. The thing never seems to turn the heater on, even if the tank is 2 degrees below the set temperature. What would you recommend? I really would LOVE an Apex, I just can't afford it. Would the Cheapest Reef keeper be an okay option? (ReefKeeper Lite).

In addition, I also bought the JBJ ATO. My return pump chamber is constantly changing. As of now that is where the float sits. Would my return pump still stay submerged if I place the ATO in the refugium? I have the Eshoppes R-100 Sump if that helps any.

 

[Jone]

Ranco Etc 111000 temp controller ,,single action unless you have a chiller then get the dual action one,,heard they are rock solid and easy to install

 

[Sapelo]

ATO should go in the last chamber of your sump and should keep the water level at whatever height you set. I'm not totally sure I understand...are you currently getting water level variations out of your return pump?

 

[RayAllen3422]

ATO should go in the last chamber of your sump and should keep the water level at whatever height you set. I'm not totally sure I understand...are you currently getting water level variations out of your return pump?

Not necessarily the last chamber. Wherever the return chamber is. That's where the evaporation shows up.

 

[DavidGraves]

+1 to the ranco controller. I have one and it has been flawless. You can set the deviation from setpoint before it turns on. Mine is 1 degree and hold steady at 78

 

[Sapelo]

Not necessarily the last chamber. Wherever the return chamber is.

Yes, this. My last chamber is my return so I made a quick assumption rather than remembering that not every sump is the same. Sorry.

 

[shifty51008]

I agree, my ranco has been running perfect for 8 years no issue. And yes the ato goes in the area with the return pump as that is where you will see evaporation.