should i get a Temperature Controller?

[TOURKID]

what does a temp controller do for me exactly?

Does it ONLY gerentee me that if my heater malfunctions it'll keep it from heating it past what i set it at? or is there more?

Im only on the subject because.. here in ohio the temps outside have dropped a TON since yesterday and i noticed my tank went from an even 82 for months to 78 today!! I jacked up the heater a lil to get it stable. but if it gets hot outside agian.....

help?

thanks bunches


maggie

 

[Tomzpc]

A dedicated temperature controller (like a Ranco/Aqualogic or a Medusa) has a better, more reliable thermostat then does a $25 heater. Although it's relatively a rare occurrence, people have had heaters stick on or that had inaccurate thermostats which were off a few degrees or more. A quality controller lessens that possibility. I like dual stage controllers myself. I have a ranco dual stage that turns on my heaters at 78 and turns them off at 79 and it will also turn on my fans at 80 and turn them off at 79. It keeps the tank temp. pretty stable.

In the end, it's just another expensive piece of equipment in this hobby. Not a necessity by any means but it's nice to have.

 

[mg426]

I got the same Ranco unit as Tomzpc Set up the same with the same functions. It does really do a good job keeping things stable.

 

[DaveBrader]

It is not just protection against a failure of a heater, it is also a means of keeping the temperature very stable. Temperature swings of 4 degrees are not good. During those swings, Specific Gravity changes occur. Stability is far more important than the temperature actually. I like knowing that no matter what is going on, the temperature of my aquarium remains a constant 80 degrees, plus or minus 1/2 degree. I have the Medusa Dual Stage controller which is accurate to 1/10 of a degree.

 

[scott11]

I have the ranco, i feel that is the best piece of equipment I have.

 

[Slartibartfast]

You could also get something like an Aquacontroller Jr. It will do the functions of a temperature controller plus a lot more.

 

[bhdmc]

One reason for the use of a temperature controller is to have a back up in case the heater's thermostat fail. Another reason is to keep your chiller(if you have one) and heater from competing with one another. They are very expense, but IMO it is worth the cost to protect your investment.

 

[scott11]

The ranco cost about 100. I use it to control my heater and 2 small fans. The probe is small, and I think it is very accurate. I live in az, so temperature was a big concern for me. Ever sice I got the controller I havent had to worry about it. I like the ranco since it it small easy to use, and can control anything that plugs in- heater, chiller, fans. I use an adapter and have 2 different fans, one near my lights, one at the sump. You could even use it to turn off lights if the temp gets too high.

 

[impur]

I use an AC Jr to control the heater and turn on a fan if things get too hot. I'll tell you that aside from my CA reactor, the temp controller was the best thing i ever did for my tank. I saw immediate results, things had more color, better extension, and grew quicker.

 

[HBtank]

I just have a circus midget with a bic lighter under my tank.