Thermo Frustrations

[eeorrandy]

I have about 10 different thermometers, both digital and glass... and I still don't know what my water temp is.

I try and keep my tank on the low side.. about 78 or so since it's in the garage and I like to have some safety barrier if the portable ac or chiller should decide to quit, or if it just gets really hot outside and they can't keep up. So far, I usually don't see more than 1.5 to 2 degree swing through the day.

The problem is I get about a 4+ degree spread between all these thermometers.. any outside that range I disregard or toss. I've kind centered my controller in the middle of this range, but still don't really know what my temp is. Instead of 78 I could be struggling to hold 76 and wasting a lot of energy and not realize it.

I can't really afford one of those expensive lab calibration thermometers, which I guess would be the best alternative.

Does anyone have a suggestion on how to dial in my temps a little closer, or should I really even worry about it?

TIA

 

[MandM]

You may want to check in with John at Yourreef at Cirby and Vernon. Before opening the shop he kept frag tanks in his garage in Roseville. If you take your thermometers there he may be able to help with calibration or at least checking against his temps.

 

[Underwaterparadise]

John pretty much just kept fans on the tanks and the lights ran at night to keep down the heat. He used regular Therm. as well.

IMHO I would trust the good Ole Mercury ones the best. Every digital I have ever owned was off at least 1.5 degree's. I don't think a 2 degree swing is that bad depepnding on how fast it is changing.