temp controlled light shutdown switch?

[Reeferhead]

Anyone ever built or bought a switch that can turn off your lights in case your A/C goes out or your chiller fails and the water temp gets to high? TIA

 

[smcdonn]

I bought a Ranco controller to turn my lights off if the tank gets too hot. I also have another one to control my heater. For $100, it's the best insurance you can buy.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ETC-111000-RANC...3QQihZ001QQcategoryZ53296QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Reeferhead]

Thanks for the quick response. That's what I'm looking for. Do you know of any affordable controllers that are smaller in size? Stand space is at quite a premium right now.

 

[AZDesertRat]

I also use a Ranco two stage controller. Its set up so if my chiller fails or if the temperature rises 2 degrees over the setpoint, extra clip on fans over the sump come on to cool by evaporation. I suppose I could have it shut the lights down but the fans work wonders if the humidity isn't too high in the house.

 

[dannieboiz]

how come you guys are using these over a controller? Considering an ACJR can be had for under 300, having 2 of these controller would put you up in the 200 range anyways.

 

[smcdonn]

I considered the ACJR but got both of my Rancos for $100. They do everything that I need on my 75 so I see it that I saved some money. I realize that the ACJR can do WAY more and would probably be useful, but I'm a college student and just wanted THE CHEAPEST BULLETPROOF SETUP. Notice I used Cheap and Bulletproof in the same sentence. I feel the Ranco's are about the only way to achieve that if ALL your looking for is temperature control. Cheers

 

[Chrismo]

I use a Medusa Temp controller to do the same thing. If my tank hits 84 degrees, it turns the halide off untill temperature drops to 82. It's hard on the bulb, to turn on and off all the time. So it's good to have some leeway.

I could use my ACII to do the same thing, but had the medusa sitting around, it uses X10 which I dont trust as much on Halides.

Chris