Help me find a heat controller.

[567234ta]

The problem i have with using just a heater besides the obvious dangers, is the accuracy, they raise and lower the temp too much. I would like to find something that is very accurate, like for instance comes on at 79.9F and shuts off at 80.0F
Is there such a thing?

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

The Ranco controllers from ETC Supply are very a highly regarded commercial temperature controller and are likely to be as accurate as you can find. http://www.etcsupply.com/etc-controllers-c-36.html?gclid=CIz4iO_I-qgCFUZn5QodViHX3w

 

[sreefs]

Use a ranco they are very good! No reason to keep your temp. to that tight of tolerances. 79.9 to 80
One degree is fine, infact some like there reef to swing 2 to 3 degrees.

 

[Necidemos]

Another vote for ranco. Works like a charm.

 

[567234ta]

The Ranco controllers from ETC Supply are very a highly regarded commercial temperature controller and are likely to be as accurate as you can find. http://www.etcsupply.com/etc-controllers-c-36.html?gclid=CIz4iO_I-qgCFUZn5QodViHX3w

I can't find anywhere on their site what the range of on and off is.

Use a ranco they are very good! No reason to keep your temp. to that tight of tolerances. 79.9 to 80
One degree is fine, infact some like there reef to swing 2 to 3 degrees.

I would be happy with a .5° on/off range, and i do know that a slight change is normal in nature, but i want to be the one who sets the change, not my POS heater that i have to set the gauge at 71 to get it to shut off at 82, and wont come on until the water is 74F :uhoh2: I have 3 hydor heaters i got from a LFS and one is stuck in on postion, other 2 are both way way off in every way.
My jager 250 watt is much better but don't want to rely on just a heater.

 

[snorvich]

Another vote for Ranco. If you really want fine tuning, go with Profilux but that is an expensive although elegant option.

 

[scottjm]

+1 for ranco.

 

[dlp211]

I am thinking about getting a Ranco, I have three heaters, do I need a separate Ranco for each, or will it control all three through a power strip?

Thanks
DLP

 

[Dr Colliebreath]

I can't find anywhere on their site what the range of on and off is.

I couldn't either (I checked before posting last night). I would guess that the system can be set to kick on with very small variations (I would be surprised it if it more than a tenth or two of a degree). There are temperature swings on a reef (day/evening vs. noon vs. night, and areas with current vs. still areas) so I don't see how a swing of a degree or two can be a problem. Moreover, your ability to precisely control temperature in the aquarium is limited by how quickly you can disperse the warmer water throughout the tank.

If you insist on something with very tight tolerances, you can probably find laboratory equipment but it presumably will be very expensive.

 

[mojo~]

why not just get a rkl. $95 bucks and control your temp to a tenth of a degree and get three more outputs for lights or pumps to program whatever you want.

Heck even the new fluval heaters have a built in controller that are .5 degree on or off.

Had a ranco years ago and loved it. But with a controller you can do the same thing but with much more flexablity.

Mojo~

 

[firebirdude]

There's no way you're going to keep 1/10th of a degree real-world accuracy. And there's no need to. A degree +/- is fantastic. Don't stew about it.

 

[567234ta]

I couldn't either (I checked before posting last night). I would guess that the system can be set to kick on with very small variations (I would be surprised it if it more than a tenth or two of a degree). There are temperature swings on a reef (day/evening vs. noon vs. night, and areas with current vs. still areas) so I don't see how a swing of a degree or two can be a problem. Moreover, your ability to precisely control temperature in the aquarium is limited by how quickly you can disperse the warmer water throughout the tank.

If you insist on something with very tight tolerances, you can probably find laboratory equipment but it presumably will be very expensive.

So far since ive added fans i have been right at 80F everytime i check it day or night. I am pretty happy with the Jager 250 watt heater but i just want a second or even third means of protection incase of failure. As far as tolerance id be happy with a .5 on/off range.

why not just get a rkl. $95 bucks and control your temp to a tenth of a degree and get three more outputs for lights or pumps to program whatever you want.

Heck even the new fluval heaters have a built in controller that are .5 degree on or off.

Had a ranco years ago and loved it. But with a controller you can do the same thing but with much more flexablity.

Mojo~

I may go that route with a controller, i am very new to salt tanks so im really still very overwhelmed with the learning curve.

There's no way you're going to keep 1/10th of a degree real-world accuracy. And there's no need to. A degree +/- is fantastic. Don't stew about it.

Yeah im just wanting a setup that is as safe and accurate as possible. After nearly frying a tub full of Koi with a Hydor heater because it stuck in on position, I realize how important it is to have it as safe as possible when you are talking about 100's or even 1000's of dollars invested into fish and corals.

 

[tgray3]

I'd get the RKL. You can control your heater and a whole lot more.

 

[mightymizz]

Where are people finding the Reefkeeper Lite for $95? I keep seeing them now for $110?

 

[567234ta]

I'd get the RKL. You can control your heater and a whole lot more.

It's looking like this will be my best option. It only comes with a temp probe right? ill have to get any other probes separately?

 

[tgray3]

Yeah, the temp probe is the only probe that comes with it. I'm controlling my heater and a canopy fan with it. Unless you get the SL1 module you won't need any other probes.

 

[567234ta]

I wouldn't mind having the ph probe, the RKL is capable of accurate Ph readings? How long does a probe typically last?

 

[shifty51008]

if you want the pH probe also Then I would suggest getting the RKL3 (269.00)as it comes with the SL1 and pH probe. the RKL1 (113.00)only comes with the temp probe then you will have to buy the SL1 and pH probe seperate

pH probes I have seen last up to 5 years and some last a year it just depends.

I vote for the Ranco. I have been running mine for over 6 years and it still works as good as the day I got it.

the controllers like the RKL's and such are nice however I like to keep things seperate and not have 1 controller for everything. yes it is more equipment but if the controller goes down then everything goes down with it.

 

[567234ta]

if you want the pH probe also Then I would suggest getting the RKL3 (269.00)as it comes with the SL1 and pH probe. the RKL1 (113.00)only comes with the temp probe then you will have to buy the SL1 and pH probe seperate

pH probes I have seen last up to 5 years and some last a year it just depends.

I vote for the Ranco. I have been running mine for over 6 years and it still works as good as the day I got it.

the controllers like the RKL's and such are nice however I like to keep things seperate and not have 1 controller for everything. yes it is more equipment but if the controller goes down then everything goes down with it.

Gosh you guys give me so much to think about here :wildone: