Temp Probe Question

[kimoyo]

Hi Curt,

I have two temp probes for my ACII. One is about 3 deg off but holds well to temp changes. And the other is about 1 deg off but doesn't hold as well. Which should I use?

Also what is the best way to have it mounted in the sump? Should it be fully submerged or half-way? Thanks.

Paul

 

[clp]

The variance is AC2 temp probes is about +-1.5F, so the variance you are seeing is reasonable. It does concern me that one is erratic - erratic operation could indicate a cut in the wire or a other failure in the temp probe. I'd use the one that does oscillate and calibrate to a known accurate reference.
One economical way to mount the probes is to float them in a block of Styrofoam. Make a small hole in a block of Styrofoam, push the probe halfway through, and float the foam in the sump. The probes should be half submerged.

Curt

 

[kimoyo]

Curt - I think the problem was it was fully submerged. Now that I raised the closer probe out of the water it is tracking the temp well. Thanks.

Paul

 

[plaz]

Curt,
How can the temp probe vary 1.5 degrees +- when the manual says the neptune is capable of keeping the temp +- .3 degrees???

Are we going to have a tank that varies up to 3 degrees if we use one... or is the 1.5 degrees just what the reading is off... but it is constant so the actual tank won't vary?

 

[clp]

It is a manufacturing variance. Each probe has a specific offset that stays consistent throughout the life of the probe.

Curt

 

[plaz]

Thanks! Not so much of a problem!

 

[kimoyo]

Curt - How long can the ph probes be out of water without fear of damaging them? When I do my water changes I drain my sump. Thanks.

 

[clp]

You don't want the pH or ORP probes to completely dry out. 5 or 10 minutes is OK, but anything longer I'd put them in a glass of your tank water.

Curt

 

[johns]

One economical way to mount the probes is to float them in a block of Styrofoam. Make a small hole in a block of Styrofoam, push the probe halfway through, and float the foam in the sump. The probes should be half submerged.

Curt

Curt-

Is this true for the AC Jr Temo probe as well? If so, I wasnt aware of that. I just have mine submerged a few inches in the sump.

I dont know about this - if I have a fan blowing directly down on my sump, I think if the probe were only half submerged the blowing air would mess with the readings.

 

[clp]

The Jr Temp probe can be allowed to dry out. As long as the bottom 1 - 2" of the pH or ORP probe is underwater it should read correctly. A fan blowing on the water should not affect the reading.

Curt

 

[johns]

The Jr Temp probe can be allowed to dry out.

Still confused - can the Jr temp probe be completely submerged or does it need to be floated?

 

[clp]

The Jr temp probe can be completely submerged.

Curt