Best Heater/Temperature controller? (Non-Apex)

[fishyjoes]

I use a simple eheim glass heater with built in thermostat. I find it keeps the temperature in a 0.5 degree (f) range. I set it at 80 and I find my temperature anywhere from 79.8 to 80.3.
I also use an inkbird as an emergency shutoff in case the heater gets stuck on (I suppose it would also alarm if too cold but I don't care about that).

 

[rtparty]

So which should i invest in? a Ranco or Aqua Logic?

Aqua Logic. It’s a rebranded Ranco with the proper probe for saltwater.

 

[Estonian Reefer]

I'd recommend aqua medic Twin controller which can do two functions. Heater control plus cooling control. Also inkbird heating controller is pretty good itc 306A.

 

[Sleeping Giant]

inkbird 306A heater controller and Marineland heaters, been doing great for years. I changed the heaters out once a year just to be safe. I like that the both have temp indicators.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Ranco‘s, Johnson Controls, or anything commercial will be far more reliable than anything hobby or cheap import.

Use the controller as the primary and set the on board thermostats in the heaters as fail-safes so that they don’t turn the heater on and off during normal operation, but only come into play if the controller fails to turn off.

 

[C_AWOL]

Eheim + ranco nema4/aqualogic (samething) is unbeatable.

Been using that combo for over 10 years with 0 issues and will continue to do so.

 

[Pistondog]

Inkbird pid controller driving eheim jaeger heater.
Inkbird Heating or Cooling PID Temperature Controller IPB-16S Pre-Wired Digital Home Brewing Controller Independent Control Pump Thermostat https://a.co/d/eXWKyhY

 

[jason2459]

Doesn't have to be pretty. I bought both my Ranco's used over 10 years ago. One was already shrink wrapped and the other I just gobbed on a bunch of silicone with my hands.

 

[jason2459]

For heaters I like having a second controller on the heater itself. I currently have a couple Finnex titanium at 500 watts each. I set the Ranco at a higher safety shutoff value and let the heater turn itself on and off. I replace my heaters every couple years.

 

[NoFeedback]

AQQA submersible aquarium heater 300W. Works great and 3 years old for me. Amazon.

 

[NoFeedback]

Reordered right now since

AQQA submersible aquarium heater 300W. Works great and 3 years old for me. Amazon.

Reordered right now since I want a backup.

 

[Hooz]

I currently run both Inkbird w/Eheim and a couple Helios w/Helio elements. On the Inkbird, I set the heaters to 80, then set the Inkbird to 78. It's been working well for me in multiple tanks for years now. The Helio has only been running for about 6 months so far, and no complaints from me.

 

[areefer01]

Probably overkill for the size aquarium in question but if you want to splurge then I'd suggest taking a look at the aqualogic as noted already. Their digital temperature controllers will withstand the test of time allowing you to roll through the many upgrades sure to follow.

Used across many industries such as aquaculture, zoos, bait shops, education, hydrophonics, food, and more. If it is good enough for these high demand industries then it is a no brainer for home aquarium use. In "my" opinion.

Buy once, use time and time again. Get yours today with a color catalog!

 

[areefer01]

Aqua Logic. It’s a rebranded Ranco with the proper probe for saltwater.

Is the aqualogic a rebrand? Thought it started in San Diego in the 80's but honestly I don't know. Sea Food.

 

[rtparty]

Is the aqualogic a rebrand? Thought it started in San Diego in the 80's but honestly I don't know. Sea Food.

This is a Ranco controller that has been rebranded and uses a titanium temp probe so it is safe for our systems.

 

[areefer01]

This is a Ranco controller that has been rebranded and uses a titanium temp probe so it is safe for our systems.

I misread then - I read it as the aqualogic is a rebrand of the Ranco.

 

[rtparty]

I misread then - I read it as the aqualogic is a rebrand of the Ranco.

It is. I think we’re saying the same thing?

Ranco makes the controller. Aqua Logic just rebrands it with their logo and switches to the titanium probe

 

[areefer01]

It is. I think we’re saying the same thing?

Ranco makes the controller. Aqua Logic just rebrands it with their logo and switches to the titanium probe

Sorry for the confusion so please don't bang the keyboard saying MAN THIS CLOWN IS DENSE

We are not saying the same thing. I was under the impression that Aqua Logic makes their own hardware. As in their own company that started in the sea food industry in San Diego, Ca. Thus my question as I was not aware Aqua Logic is rebranding another companies, Ranco.

Again sorry for the confusion. I didn't know one way or the other so was curious. A lot of rebranding in the world

 

[rtparty]

Sorry for the confusion so please don't bang the keyboard saying MAN THIS CLOWN IS DENSE

We are not saying the same thing. I was under the impression that Aqua Logic makes their own hardware. As in their own company that started in the sea food industry in San Diego, Ca. Thus my question as I was not aware Aqua Logic is rebranding another companies, Ranco.

Again sorry for the confusion. I didn't know one way or the other so was curious. A lot of rebranding in the world

It blows people's minds when they learn what is rebranded in this world. Lol

 

[paparoof]

I'm a big fan of this $40 "Bayite" controller:

I've been running one on my tank for over three years now. I bought a second one as a backup, configured it and stashed it away in a closet. Haven't needed it yet.



p.s. I did have to replace the original temp probe that it came with, but happily the $9 BRS temp probe fits and works:

Replacement Probe for Aquarium Temperature Controllers

Keep your Bulk Reef Supply or Ink Bird Temperature Controller operating smoothly. Probe replacement should be done when the existing probe no longer holds calibration. New probes need to be calibrated before operation for proper function. We recommend the use of a separate calibration...

www.bulkreefsupply.com