Ranco contoler to shut off MH

[sailfish2]

I have been wanting some cheap system to turn off my lights if the tank gets to hot.

I know that a the Reef keeper and Aqua controllers do this but I do not need really any of the other function they offer.

Here is an option what do you guys think. I am not very savvy with electricity so looking for some feed back about the if this can safely handle 3- 400 MH.

Each 400 pulls 4.5 amp so that is a total 13.5 amp. The unit says it can handle 16 amps but want to be sure that it can handle shutting that much on & off. Also allowing it to run for at least 8 hrs a day safely.

Link to specs
http://www.rancoetc.com/pdf/ranco_etc.pdf

Link to units
http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111...ller-p-87.html

Thanks guys Joe

 

[sailfish2]

There is also the aqua logic controller as well.

http://www.aqualogicinc.com/products/temp_controllers/

Thanks for any help.

Joe

 

[sailfish2]

Anyone have some help for me

Jo

 

[dvanacker]

SHould be fine. The unit will be ON all the time unless it gets hotter then you program in which case it will turn off.

If they say 16amps then you should be good to go. Or if you want more buffer then only do two of the lamps. Im sure that would be enough to keep your tank from overheating, no?

FYI, I plan on doing the same thing with a ranco...only my tank has only 2 x 400w MH.

 

[bradbmbj]

I agree, you will be fine. I wouldn't waste the extra money on the Aqualogic because its just a Ranco with a sticker

 

[jmoney]

I wouldn't do it, if your temp drops real fast and lets the lights turn back on too quickly your bulbs might suffer.

 

[sailfish2]

Yea I talked to the guy at ranco and they said if I set it up like its a heater then when the lights are on it is working in closed mode and can handle 16 amps.

Thanks for the feed back.

Joe

 

[bradbmbj]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14972849#post14972849 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmoney
I wouldn't do it, if your temp drops real fast and lets the lights turn back on too quickly your bulbs might suffer.

Its going to take a while for the temp to drop, and this is why there is a differential setting.

 

[dvanacker]

Yes dont listen to that guy. There is differential setting on the ranco. You can set the differential setting up to 9degrees I think. Never used it with my heaters but I know it's there.