Heater controller

[fogcutter]

Hey gang,

I'm going to be controlling my tank with Apex but I'm also interested in redundancy. I've been reading numerous posts on Apex temp control and I'm kind of shy about relying on that solely.

Has anyone had success with one of these: Inkbird ITC-306T Pre-wired Electronic Heating Thermostat Temperature Controller and Digital Timer?

Like anything else there are mixed reviews but it has two outlets for heaters. Thinking out loud though....it would probably best for redundancy sake to buy two single ports.

Thoughts?

 

[SeaJay]

Hey gang,

I'm going to be controlling my tank with Apex but I'm also interested in redundancy. I've been reading numerous posts on Apex temp control and I'm kind of shy about relying on that solely.

Has anyone had success with one of these: Inkbird ITC-306T Pre-wired Electronic Heating Thermostat Temperature Controller and Digital Timer?

Like anything else there are mixed reviews but it has two outlets for heaters. Thinking out loud though....it would probably best for redundancy sake to buy two single ports.

Thoughts?

I'm using a multi-tap to plug two heaters into a single plug inkbird.

 

[LJLKRL05]

I have the inkbird mentioned above. I have not had any problems with it.
I have read that some people say they set their heaters pretty high and just depend on the controller. I do not do that, I set my heater a degree or so above the controller.

 

[Daniel91]

I have that controller. No complaints.

 

[Neo Jeo]

I have the controller. I let my heaters control the temp that way if they get stuck on "it happens" the heater will shut it down/take over.

 

[fogcutter]

Thanks or the info. So are y'all using both ports i.e. using two heaters - one main and one redundant - on that same controller?

 

[SeaJay]

Thanks or the info. So are y'all using both ports i.e. using two heaters - one main and one redundant - on that same controller?

I have both on one controller. The controller will turn them both on and off simultaneously. If one goes out, the other will still take up the slack.

 

[NB Reefer]

What happens if the controller fails? I think two hears each on their one controller, like an inkbird, is the safest way to create a redundant system.

 

[Neo Jeo]

What happens if the controller fails? I think two hears each on their one controller, like an inkbird, is the safest way to create a redundant system.

That would be the safest but I use 2 heaters on one controller. You got me thinking now

 

[SeaJay]

That would be the safest but I use 2 heaters on one controller. You got me thinking now

Me too. I'm using two Finnex 500W heaters that have built in digital controllers. Got me thinking it may be safer to run one on the inkbird and one stand alone.

 

[Neo Jeo]

Me too. I'm using two Finnex 500W heaters that have built in digital controllers. Got me thinking it may be safer to run one on the inkbird and one stand alone.

The stand alone can break then your in a bad spot.

 

[SeaJay]

The stand alone can break then your in a bad spot.

You mean if it fails ON?

 

[Neo Jeo]

You mean if it fails ON?

Ya. If the stand alone stays on then your cooked. I have a Neo Them stick on and went to 98d. Least that was in my water changing station...

 

[SeaJay]

Ya. If the stand alone stays on then your cooked. I have a Neo Them stick on and went to 98d. Least that was in my water changing station...

Is that not possible with an inkbird? Seems like they could fail on as well. Sometimes I'm not sure if redundancy is safer or if it just creates more potential failure points.

 

[Foothill Corals]

Inkbirds are not really a great solution either. You would be better off with a Ranco just make sure you either water proof the sensor with a shrink wrap sleeve or get one with a titanium probe. These are industrial controllers used on many applications from food storage to animal enclosures at zoos. My current one has been in service for over 10 years. They also come in two stage units.

https://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Lo...er_Aquariums-Aqua_Logic-AL1711-FITETC-vi.html

 

[fogcutter]

Here's a crazy thought though....what if I just rely on the Apex unit to do it's job? I know....that's adorable right?

 

[SeaJay]

Here's a crazy thought though....what if I just rely on the Apex unit to do it's job? I know....that's adorable right?

Got one of those on my shopping list too.

 

[Aquavaj]

An Apex will provide some additional fail-safe but not necessarily redundancy. The fail-safe is that should the heater get stuck on, the temp monitor on the Apex will detect the raising temp and shut off the outlet to the heater. You should also make sure to set the temp on the heater to be just a degree or two above your desire set point so that if the outlet should get stuck ON the heater only comes on up to that temp. Yes, both can still fail at the same time but the chances of that is a lot less.

For redundancy you'll need atleast 2 heaters and preferably the second one NOT on the Apex. Even better if it was on its own controller too. It would take a perfect storm kind of thing to get through this.

 

[fogcutter]

An Apex will provide some additional fail-safe but not necessarily redundancy. The fail-safe is that should the heater get stuck on, the temp monitor on the Apex will detect the raising temp and shut off the outlet to the heater. You should also make sure to set the temp on the heater to be just a degree or two above your desire set point so that if the outlet should get stuck ON the heater only comes on up to that temp. Yes, both can still fail at the same time but the chances of that is a lot less.

For redundancy you'll need atleast 2 heaters and preferably the second one NOT on the Apex. Even better if it was on its own controller too. It would take a perfect storm kind of thing to get through this.

Sounds like a good plan....thanks.