Best Heater/Temperature controller? (Non-Apex)

[XxAlex_OhxX]

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!

They're just so expensive though. Like 240-300 depending on the model.

 

[rtparty]

They're just so expensive though. Like 240-300 depending on the model.

Cheap insurance IMO. Heaters are probably the #1 reason tanks have a catastrophic failure. Nothing like having $10k in coral and fish and then trusting a $30 brewing temperature controller. But we’ve all been there. Most of my older tanks all ran the Inkbird controllers

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

Cheap insurance IMO. Heaters are probably the #1 reason tanks have a catastrophic failure. Nothing like having $10k in coral and fish and then trusting a $30 brewing temperature controller. But we’ve all been there. Most of my older tanks all ran the Inkbird controllers

Which model do you have of these 3?

 

[DCR]

You most likely want a 115V unit. Dual stage will provide separate controls for a heater and a chiller. Single stage is either a heater or a chiller only.

You can find used Ranco's on Ebay for well under $100 and then add the silicone sleeve.

 

[jda]

I have a decade plus on Ranco and never did anything to the probes. Maybe these are too old to be an issue and the newer probes need coated or put into a sleeve? In any case, the best out there, IMO.

If the Ranco is not wired alread, I wire in a 3 or 4 way cord so that I can use more than one heater. I use Eheims, set the internal thermometer to just above the ranco. This means that the ranco would have to stick on (which does not seem to ever happen) and also that 3 or 4 of my Eheims would have to fail too.

Dual stage can be nice even for a fan if your AC ever goes out.

 

[KStatefan]

Cheap insurance IMO. Heaters are probably the #1 reason tanks have a catastrophic failure. Nothing like having $10k in coral and fish and then trusting a $30 brewing temperature controller. But we’ve all been there. Most of my older tanks all ran the Inkbird controllers

I would bet #1 by substantial margin.

I use three in my system Primary controller, backup controller and then one on my coral QT tank. One used Aqualoginc and two purchased from supply house hard wired to outlets.

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

You most likely want a 115V unit. Dual stage will provide separate controls for a heater and a chiller. Single stage is either a heater or a chiller only.

You can find used Ranco's on Ebay for well under $100 and then add the silicone sleeve.

Ok so which one is more well known and used in the aquarium hobby? Aqualogic or ranco? Honestly the only difference i feel with aqualogic is literally just the waterproofed probe.

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

Now theres 3 models smh.

 

[DCR]

The controller is the same. The only difference is the temperature probe. Ranco also has an option for a NEMA 4X enclosure which is suitable for outdoors for added cost. The Aqua Logic uses the NEMA 4X exclusively. It would offer some added protection in a humid environment. I have about 8 Aqua-Logics that I all found used for cheap and they have worked flawlessly for years. I have heard that you need to shrink wrap the standard Ranco probe, but I don't have any personal experience.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I hear people say this since its industrial style, but the probes arent waterproof. How do i make them?

Waterproof version

New York - Aquarium Controller - Heaters - Drygoods - Aqua Logic Heater/Chiller controller - the best out there.

Have one Aqua Logic Heater or Chiller controller that I won't need anymore. Willing to sell for $100 shipped via UPS to your door. This in my and many others opinion is the most reliable controller out there. PM Me.

www.reef2reef.com

 

[KStatefan]

Ok so which one is more well known and used in the aquarium hobby? Aqualogic or ranco? Honestly the only difference i feel with aqualogic is literally just the waterproofed probe.

Now theres 3 models smh.

There are more then that.

But you can eliminate 24 VAC and 0 to 10 output.

Do you want single stage or dual stage?

Do you want NEMA 1 or NEMA 4X?

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

There are more then that.

But you can eliminate 24 VAC and 0 to 10 output.

Do you want single stage or dual stage?

Do you want NEMA 1 or NEMA 4X?

I want single stage because i already have a fan that cools my water for me. I also want nema4x given that its gonna be near water and accidents happen sometimes.

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

JACKPOT! I GOT AN AQUALOGIC ON EBAY FOR 75 BUCKS!

 

[Rich Klein]

Finnex Titanium elements have never failed me. I am a BRS customer and tried their German titanium offering and one died in just a year. I run 2 500 amp Finnex’s and 2 rainbirds off of separate Apex outlets in my 180 gallon.

 

[MNCYC]

I run a few cooling and cold storage facilities. Probably have more than 50 Ranco thermostats in use. Rarely replace one. I trust it on my aquarium

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

Finnex Titanium elements have never failed me. I am a BRS customer and tried their German titanium offering and one died in just a year. I run 2 500 amp Finnex’s and 2 rainbirds off of separate Apex outlets in my 180 gallon.

Yeah honestly imma just go with that. TBH i was more concerned about the controller managing the power of titaniums. I dont wanna wake up one morning and find my fish in a hot spring.

 

[Homey D. Clownfish]

Im so confused especially because the reviews on amazon and BRS are all mixed which makes it a pain in the butt to choose between options. I have a standard 20 gallon long (planning to upgrade to 90 next year), but I need a good heater and controller. California's temperatures are whack. Sometimes its hot, sometimes freezing which also ruins my life. Ive heard titanium heaters are good but which ones?! Finnex? BRS? Aquatop? Also what about temperature controllers? Ranco? IM Helios? Hygger? InkBird has extremely mixed reviews with so many calling it garbage for crashing their systems while others praise it, making me afraid to purchase. WHICH ONES???!!! I dont wanna come back home one day and find my fish boiled or frozen. Apex costs an arm and a leg and is way beyond my budget.

I’ve enjoyed my IM Helios that I’ve had up and running with my tank build for over a year. It’s pricey, but most of the times in this hobby you get what you paid for.

 

[Pistondog]

Yeah honestly imma just go with that. TBH i was more concerned about the controller managing the power of titaniums. I dont wanna wake up one morning and find my fish in a hot spring.

Just make sure of some redundancy as mentioned, so if the controller fails on, your fish wont be in a hot spring. The titanium heaters are 'dumb' heating elements, unlike some others here that will shut themselves off if the controller fails.
You could also use a supervisory monitor like apex to shut off the controller if some temp is exceeded.
Good luck.

 

[XxAlex_OhxX]

Just make sure of some redundancy as mentioned, so if the controller fails on, your fish wont be in a hot spring. The titanium heaters are 'dumb' heating elements, unlike some others here that will shut themselves off if the controller fails.
You could also use a supervisory monitor like apex to shut off the controller if some temp is exceeded.

Thank you. I may save up for an apex in the future, but college is soaking up most of my cash right now. Also i have a 20 gallon so is a titanium heater overkill or should i just go with a fluval or eheim and call it a day? Im guessing i can set the controller for 76 degrees and set the heater knob to 78 as a failsafe?

 

[Pistondog]

Fluval or eheim are fine choices, spend your $$ on college.