Temperature controller suggestion please!

[rocklobster1]

Hello, So I use to have an apex and never really utilized it. Im home like 95% of my life since I work from home. What I would like is a simple temperature controller that has an audible alarm if the temp goes out of range. That way I dont have to constantly check the gauges or worry about wifi connections(my wifi sucks). Are there any good suggestions for a simple temperature controller or even monitor that has an audible alarm?

 

[rocklobster1]

also cheap is good. I would prefer less than $50 since I have 3 tanks to buy for.

 

[mcgyvr]

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Prog...=1518643349&sr=8-1&keywords=inkbird+blue&th=1
http://www.ink-bird.com/products-temperature-controller-itc306t.html
ITC-306T version.. $30 shipped to your door
Has over temp buzzer and works great..

 

[rocklobster1]

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Prog...=1518643349&sr=8-1&keywords=inkbird+blue&th=1
http://www.ink-bird.com/products-temperature-controller-itc306t.html
ITC-306T version.. $30 shipped to your door
Has over temp buzzer and works great..

Excellent! Have you used one of these in a reef? I am just curious because it looks like it comes with a stainless sensor?

 

[rocklobster1]

yup seems like the probes are not suitable for saltwater and would have to be sealed separately. Have to read up on that. I found that it made need to be heat sealed with a piece of PVC tubing or something like that.

 

[rocklobster1]

http://www.rancoetc.com/thermal-well-for-aquariums-38-clear-pvc-heat-shrink-tubing

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Ranco makes one too.

 

[Bent]

I use the ranco as well hundreds of others

Just be warned that the temp probe is not waterproof

 

[rocklobster1]

I use the ranco as well hundreds of others

Just be warned that the temp probe is not waterproof

I think the inkbird would be perfect but I need to seal it Im guessing.

So you sealed it yourself?

 

[Smokey Stover]

I have the Inkbird and sealed the probe with marine shrink wrap. It has waterproof glue inside, When heated a little squirts out, Crimp the ends together with pliers or hemostats while still hot for a good seal. May need to re-calibrate it with a good accurate thermometer.

 

[rocklobster1]

I have the Inkbird and sealed the probe with marine shrink wrap. It has waterproof glue inside, When heated a little squirts out, Crimp the ends together with pliers or hemostats while still hot for a good seal. May need to re-calibrate it with a good accurate thermometer.

Sounds like a good option where did you find the shrink wrap?

 

[Smokey Stover]

At a Marine Supply store, Can't remember the name, It's right next to an Army/Navy store I stop in once and a while. Being near the Gulf we have a lot of boat stuff stores.

 

[rocklobster1]

At a Marine Supply store, Can't remember the name, It's right next to an Army/Navy store I stop in once and a while. Being near the Gulf we have a lot of boat stuff stores.

Thanks I just picked up an inkbird on amazon 25$ shipped! they had an additional coupon for 5$ off.

 

[OrionN]

https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=29387
I like this one. Using them for years without problem

 

[ramseynb]

I have the Inkbird and sealed the probe with marine shrink wrap. It has waterproof glue inside, When heated a little squirts out, Crimp the ends together with pliers or hemostats while still hot for a good seal. May need to re-calibrate it with a good accurate thermometer.

Darn, I bought the ink bird but thought stainless steel would be alright. I guess I'll be trying to find something to seal it up with.

 

[Valentini89]

I use an inkbird for my 26g and have already bought the inkbird for my 150g. I never sealed it and have had no problems, for what it's worth.

 

[ramseynb]

I use an inkbird for my 26g and have already bought the inkbird for my 150g. I never sealed it and have had no problems, for what it's worth.

Thanks! On their site it says it "œshould" be safe for saltwater. It doesn't inspire a lot of confidence but it's cheap enough that I'll take the risk and see what happens. I have two cheap old school digital thermometers in different sump chambers that I check everyday as well.

 

[mcgyvr]

The probe on the inkbird is totally fine and does not need to be sealed
There is no need to do anything special to it.. Its totally fine..

I use an inkbird now (6+ months) and its worked great so far..
I have another temp probe on my reef controller that has the exact same stainless sensor and I've had it for 10+ years and it has not shown a single sign of rust..

There are different grades of stainless.. some perform better than the others but it usually takes a LONG time before some stainless will show any problems.. Many pumps have stainless steel screws holding the casing together,etc...

Again.. its totally fine and does not require any additional sealing..
Lets not spread false rumors... this hobby has enough already..

 

[Bent]

I was referring to the ranco probe. I have no experience with this inkbird.

 

[Scott07]

I used the inkbird 306t on my tank for a few months before i started to notice temperature drift between a mercury thermometer and what the inkbird was showing. I know you can calibrate the inkbird plots or minus a few degrees, but the amount it was off was changing. After it got to a degree and a half i became concerned and bought the apex jr. I now use the inkbird for the heaters in my saltwater mixing can.

Maybe i got a bad unit, I've read plenty of other posts where ppl are happy with them. Just fwiw I would check your temp from time to time with another measuring device, just to be sure the temperature you think it is it actually is.