heater controller (1/2 degree?)

[KnightlyBuzz]

I’m currently using this... Inkbird Digital Outlet Heat Temperature Controller with Day Night Control for Brewin...

However, temp delta is 1 degree (e.g., temp reaches 77, device turn heater on, warms water to 78, and turns heater off).

Question: Are there any heater controllers that will operate at a temp delta of 1/2 degree rather than 1 degree?

 

[Juka087]

I’m currently using this... Inkbird Digital Outlet Heat Temperature Controller with Day Night Control for Brewin...

However, temp delta is 1 degree (e.g., temp reaches 77, device turn heater on, warms water to 78, and turns heater off).

Question: Are there any heater controllers that will operate at a temp delta of 1/2 degree rather than 1 degree?

They say that they do that however in my experience it does not. I just gave up, and bought a ranco. Yes it swings by 1 degree, but it is a rock solid 1 degree. The inkbird i bought before failed me, and quickly.

 

[KnightlyBuzz]

Thanks. Is this what you recommend?

RANCO ETC-111000-000 Electric Temperature Control

Do you need to install input/output power plugs? If so, was it easy?

 

[Juka087]

Thanks. Is this what you recommend?

RANCO ETC-111000-000 Electric Temperature Control

Do you need to install input/output power plugs? If so, was it easy?

You need to wire it yourself or buy a prewired from ranco. Buy the prewired with waterproofing temp probe installed 80$

 

[laverda]

Why would you want to control the temp to half a degree. That is just going to run up your electric bill and wear out your controller much faster from switching so much. You may have bigger temperature variations in your areas of your tank and sump than half a degree. Trying to control your temp that closely will mean either your heater or chiller/fans will be on most of the time. In the wild temps can vary much more in a few seconds as you swim from one area to another. I let my tank swing up to 4 degrees a day maximum.

 

[Juka087]

Why would you want to control the temp to half a degree. That is just going to run up your electric bill and wear out your controller much faster from switching so much. You may have bigger temperature variations in your areas of your tank and sump than half a degree. Trying to control your temp that closely will mean either your heater or chiller/fans will be on most of the time. In the wild temps can vary much more in a few seconds as you swim from one area to another. I let my tank swing up to 4 degrees a day maximum.

People want to control their temp so precisely because reasons basically. They hear from brs, and countless others that its the way to go. When in reality stability is far more important, within reason of course. If you tank swings 4 degrees, but it does it consistently. I would imagine that would be ok within a certain window. I can say though that the ranco delivers a 1 degree swings dead on perfect. I used a jager set to 80. The controller is set to 78. This basically turns the jager into s heating element thats always. Lowers wear on both. If ranco fails jager will turn off at 80. However I have never heard of a ranco dying.

 

[KnightlyBuzz]

Gotcha, thanks. Do you have SPS corals? I’d like to eventually get some and I’ve heard “stability, stability, stability”, especially with SPS. So I thought 1/2 degree was good. If you have SPS then I’m good to go!

 

[Juka087]

Gotcha, thanks. Do you have SPS corals? I’d like to eventually get some and I’ve heard “stability, stability, stability”, especially with SPS. So I thought 1/2 degree was good. If you have SPS then I’m good to go!

1/2 a degree is good. A degree is good. Two degrees is good. Stability is stability. A 2 degree swing is stable if its consistent. However just to keep things simple. Go for a 1 degree. Try a ranco or whatever you like. Just keep it consistent.

 

[ca1ore]

FWIW, Ranco has a one degree setback also. To get a reliably narrower range you’d have to go with something like the apex .... then you can set the range however you wish. Regardless, one degree swing is trivial and no problem for your tank. Plus, as noted, a very narrow setback means the potential for rapid cycling, which means premature technology failure. Thus the ‘reason’ controllers are designed with a 1 degree range LOL.

 

[KnightlyBuzz]

Makes sense. If/when my Inkbird fails I’ll be getting a Ranco. Thanks