Thermometers are not to be trusted!

[jrw]

In a previous post I was searching for answers as to why some of my softies were retracting or bleaching despite OK water params.

As it turns out my digital thermometer (Lifegurad Little Time or Temp) was off by 10 degrees!!!

It said 79 when indeed it was 88-89. I confirmed this error by using two analog thermometers that were in agreement.

Currently temp is 84 yet the digital one says 73. I am so P.O.ed right now about this. I know it is my fault and I should have had two thermometers to be sure, but you want to trust your equipment. Who does water tests with two different kits just to be sure?

I hope things will recover, but I wanted to vent and let this be a lesson for all of you to not trust your equipment and have a backup thermometer to verify at all times.

I think I'll go and wait patiently for the temp to drop now. I'm sure the steam coming off my head is not helping

 

[rooroo]

Did you replace the battery in it? Might make a difference. I have the same thermometer and its been good for a few years. I do have a analog one around somewhere. If things went south I'll remember to check the thermometer.

 

[jrw]

The thermomter is only 7 months old. And if the battery is weak, wouldn't it be nice if it either quit working all together or gave a warning? I'll never trust this type of thermomter again. Not just this brand, but this type.
In fact any type. I will forever have two thermometers that must be in agreement.

 

[Sk8r]

A peel and stick strip thermometer is not accurate, but keeping one stuck somewhere on the system does make a pretty good cheap and low-tech crosscheck.

 

[Craig Lambert]

Amazing isn't it. I have a WON bros. titanium heater with an illuminated display. It is off by 8 degrees. I have a pinpoint wireless thermometer, and a controller that read within 1.5 degrees of each other, so I split the difference.

 

[OnTheReef]

Hmmm, I think I will pay a visit to a lab supply house and order a calibrated one, :worried:

 

[jrw]

Definitely a case where "you get what you pay for" does not hold true. "High tech" in this case is certainly not as reliable as a good old fashioned (and much cheaper) thermometer.