Which Ranco Controller?

[Gwynhidwy]

I'm finally stepping out of the stone age and getting a Ranco controller for my heaters. I need one that will control two, 300watt heaters. Will the dual stage model control two heaters, or just one heater and one chiller? It looks like it can be set for two heaters, but I want to make sure.

 

[patsfan1130]

Yes. it will control 2 heaters. it doesnt have to be heater/chiller. One of the best pieces of equipment you can buy. welcome to the club

 

[bidny]

You want the single stage controller (ETC-111000). When you wire it, just add a cord with outlets for two heaters.

The dual stage controller is, as you mentioned, for controlling both heaters and chillers / fans.

 

[flamron]

Might as well buy the digital aquatics RKL - 99.00 and you could plug two heaters into it, plus two more items, along with temp sensor.

I am thinking about getting one for my nano actually. I have an AC Jr. now, but really like the price point on the RKL.

 

[bidny]

I have to agree about the Reef Keeper Lite, if you're willing to pay a bit more. I will likely be buying one very soon.

 

[Gwynhidwy]

Thanks for all the replies.

I had heard that the Ranco controllers are more reliable for heaters. Is this not true?

If I go with a Reefkeeper, will other things *have* to be plugged into it as well, or can I just use it for heaters?

I run a pretty low tech setup right now. Though I'd like to add some things in the future, so one controller for heaters and everything else would be nice.

 

[flamron]

You can run just the heaters - no problems there. I haven't read about any reliability issues with the controller vs. ranco, but I've never looked too hard.

 

[bidny]

If you go with the Reef Keeper, just remember to plug only one heater into each solid state outlet, as they can each handle only 360 watts.

However, if you use one of the two relay outlets, they can each handle 960 watts. So you could run a properly rated powerstrip off of that outlet and run both heaters.

You don't need to attach anything else to the RKL, but it works great as a light timer, so I would consider using it for that purpose as well.

The Ranco is perhaps a bit more reliable due to its simplicity, but the RKL is also reliable and far better than the thermostats on the heaters themselves.

 

[mg426]

I have run a Ranco dual stage for at least 5 years. The entire time I have had it I have ran 2 300 watt heaters. Never had any issues.

 

[BrassMonkey]

dont plug 300w heaters into the solid state relays. on paper it can handle it, but i found it not to turn on all the time.

 

[mg426]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15439131#post15439131 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BrassMonkey
dont plug 300w heaters into the solid state relays. on paper it can handle it, but i found it not to turn on all the time.

I dont quite understand what you are stating. I have heard of issues with Electronic relay where they fail to work with very low power devices. I believe Rancos use dry contact relays.

 

[Robamus]

By the time I got a heater controller and timers, I could have just gotten a RKE. I got the tank used and somehow this guy did everything manually. Not me. now I am just mad I have a bunch of "dumb" timers for the same cash. fail.