Ink bird 308

[Waynerock]

Want to hook up a temp controller that I can set the temp and when it gets hot that it turns my cooling fans on. So not for heaters just a fan. Getting ready for our hot summer months down here. The inkbird seems perfect but anybody have any other cheeper options if I just need it for a fan? This guy is cheeper and has a nice display but apparently it has a 6 degree swing. Will that be even an issue if I just want it to turn a fan on/off when the water gets hot

open to any options. My heaters have a separate thermostat attached to them so I will prob never have a need to use the heater plug

 

[GabeM]

I wouldn't cheap out on a controller for something as sensitive as a reef tank - the controllers we use in hydroponics that can withstand large temperature swing we use are like $60.

 

[Gareth elliott]

You are going to want one tested in saltwater longterm by other users. Not all probes are created equal.

 

[Retro Reefer]

You can find inkbirds on eBay for $30-$35, they work well but you need to seal the probe for long term reliability.. old test tubes and a little silicone work great.

 

[reeferKen]

A reefer mentioned this one on Amazon. Some ink birds don't have a replaceable probe if it goes out.
"
bayite Temperature Controller BTC201 Pre-Wired Digital Outlet Thermostat, 2 Stage Heating and Cooling Mode, 110V - 240V 10A "

 

[Waynerock]

So the inkbird for sure does need the probe mod? Like I said it does not need to be super industrial because it’s only to turn on the fan across the top of the tank if the water temp gets over 81/82 degrees and shut the fans off when the water temp gets back down to 78/79. I might go low tech and get a Walmart light timer and have it come on In the afternoon till midnight or so. Thanks everyone for the heads up

 

[Retro Reefer]

So the inkbird for sure does need the probe mod?

I would recommend doing something, a lot of people just coat the probe with silicon.. they will operate ok for a year or so then the temps start fluctuating, it’s from salt water penetrating the probe.

 

[jda]

You can just put the probe in shrink with one end sealed.

Ranco is another option. More money, but industrial grade. The single stage will do heat OR cool and the dual stage will do both.

 

[ca1ore]

Assume you are measuring the water temp to trigger the fan (rather than the air temp)? I'd be ok using a stinkbird for fans, just shrink wrap the probe if it's going to be submerged.

 

[Waynerock]

Assume you are measuring the water temp to trigger the fan (rather than the air temp)? I'd be ok using a stinkbird for fans, just shrink wrap the probe if it's going to be submerged.

Yup when the water gets hot the fan turn on