How reliable are Inkbird temperature probes?

[JasonVH]

Got a new Inkbird ITC-308. How reliable are their temperature probes?

Trying to figure out which reading to follow between Inkbird, heater setting and a cheapo digital thermometers as they all read different. Inkbird at default target setting of 77F is reading temp at 76.3-76.5, heater was set to 77 previously but moved it to 79 in case the inkbird was more reliable since they seem to be well regarded. Cheapo digital is currently reading at 77.7.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Got a new Inkbird ITC-308. How reliable are their temperature probes?

Trying to figure out which reading to follow between Inkbird, heater setting and a cheapo digital thermometers as they all read different. Inkbird at default target setting of 77F is reading temp at 76.3-76.5, heater was set to 77 previously but moved it to 79 in case the inkbird was more reliable since they seem to be well regarded. Cheapo digital is currently reading at 77.7.

I have mine connected to a titanium heater. My unit is plugged into the apex which will shut it down at 81 which has never happened but the Inkbird itself works when it wants

 

[V A R I A N T]

Be sure to calibrate your Inkbird using a glass of ice water and a trusted thermometer. I use my digital thermo pop. Set the Inkbird to that cold water temp, install, cross reference with Hanna checker. It's been a solid performer for me, requiring no more than .5 degree offset at times.

 

[jasonrusso]

Got a new Inkbird ITC-308. How reliable are their temperature probes?

Trying to figure out which reading to follow between Inkbird, heater setting and a cheapo digital thermometers as they all read different. Inkbird at default target setting of 77F is reading temp at 76.3-76.5, heater was set to 77 previously but moved it to 79 in case the inkbird was more reliable since they seem to be well regarded. Cheapo digital is currently reading at 77.7.

I bought a calibrated thermometer. All the inkbirds (I have 5) are within 0.5 degree F.

 

[Fish Styx]

I use them on my mixing station and QT systems. Never had any issues with them. Like others have said: trust, but verify. ;-)

 

[Gtinnel]

I use several InkBird temp controllers and I trust them, but only after I calibrate them.
I would trust a cheap old school thermometer more than any digital one. I keep a few of the old school ones that I buy at Walmart for a few dollars sitting around to check my digital temp probes.

 

[JasonVH]

Much appreciate the answers! Got reminded that I actually have a calibrated thermometer somewhere (recently moved, don't know where half of anything is). Great tip on calibration test and old school thermometers.

Glad Inkbird's reputation holds up very well. Smacking forehead on possibly running the tank on the cool side.. if the Inkbird is on target, the tank may have been running at 75.8-76.5 ish.

 

[devocole]

My inkbird worked for 1 year and failed. It was backed up by my apex. If I didn't have the apex my titanium heater would have cooked the tank. When it comes to heaters I don't trust a single level of control. I bought another one and connected it the same way. It is a temperature controller that costs less then 100 bucks. And switched on an off many times a day. Is there a better option at a decent price point?

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Much appreciate the answers! Got reminded that I actually have a calibrated thermometer somewhere (recently moved, don't know where half of anything is). Great tip on calibration test and old school thermometers.

Glad Inkbird's reputation holds up very well. Smacking forehead on possibly running the tank on the cool side.. if the Inkbird is on target, the tank may have been running at 75.8-76.5 ish.

I intentionally run my tanks at 76 F, there isn't a issue @ all.

 

[JasonVH]

I intentionally run my tanks at 76 F, there isn't a issue @ all.

Is it FOWLR or coral reef? Mine is mainly a LPS. You've got me curious about personal preferences for coral setup temps now.. off to read up on that.

 

[JasonVH]

My inkbird worked for 1 year and failed. It was backed up by my apex. If I didn't have the apex my titanium heater would have cooked the tank. When it comes to heaters I don't trust a single level of control. I bought another one and connected it the same way. It is a temperature controller that costs less then 100 bucks. And switched on an off many times a day. Is there a better option at a decent price point?

Good point about having backups. Never paid attention to apex- my set up is very simple due to originally being a freshwater tank. But after checking apex out.. dang, seems like a real useful piece of equipment. A little sorry I hadn't thought to look deeper into apex now. I'll keep them in mind as a new equipment in the future. Your reply is much appreciated.

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

Is it FOWLR or coral reef? Mine is mainly a LPS. You've got me curious about personal preferences for coral setup temps now.. off to read up on that.

Mixed, softies & LPS. A slight cut in electric cost and the fish aren't any less active versus keeping them @ 78. Downside is that if there is a catastrophe (power loss), I don't get as much time to react. My mindset is that if I can't react, I'm hosed anyway due to dropped temps.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Got a new Inkbird ITC-308. How reliable are their temperature probes?

Trying to figure out which reading to follow between Inkbird, heater setting and a cheapo digital thermometers as they all read different. Inkbird at default target setting of 77F is reading temp at 76.3-76.5, heater was set to 77 previously but moved it to 79 in case the inkbird was more reliable since they seem to be well regarded. Cheapo digital is currently reading at 77.7.

Put them all in a glass of ice water and check they read 0C / 32F

 

[Wizard677]

I run 2 on 2 different tanks. One needed -0.3 degrees of adjustment and the other 7.8 degrees. Calibrated with Hana thermometer and checked against neptune probe. Other than initial calibration they run fine. I use the 308 wifi version.