Ink Bird Calibration off

[minus9]

I'll just start a new thread for this. Does anyone else who uses Ink Bird controllers have an issue with calibration being way off? I have the 306A (brand new) and after setting the calibration, several hours later, it's off by over a degree. It's set to celsius and I double checked my apex temp probe with my calibration thermometer. Both Ink Bird probes are next to my apex temp probe, so it's reading from the same location. Anyway, if this is a known issue, then maybe a Ranco is in order, if they have a tighter calibration?

 

[Flippers4pups]

My two inkbirds I had drifted to the point I couldn't keep them in calibration and couldn't adjust their set points. Both 308's, one standard and the other was the WIFI model.

 

[scuzy]

spend a few extra bucks and go with a ranco. never fails.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

I don't know how to calibrate but just to add some agruement here, my inkbird has been going strong (and accurate) for years!

 

[Flippers4pups]

Anyone that has one, I strongly suggest checking your water temperature with a calibrated thermometer to see where the inkbird is reading. Mine went three degrees off true temp! Not acceptable.

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Anyone that has one, I strongly suggest checking your water temperature with a calibrated thermometer to see where the inkbird is reading. Mine went three degrees off true temp! Not acceptable.

Solid advice, but I just don't get it. I always keep a separate thermometer floating in my sump and the inkbird is always within .5 degrees f

 

[Flippers4pups]

Solid advice, but I just don't get it. I always keep a separate thermometer floating in my sump and the inkbird is always within .5 degrees f

Some work, some don't. Talking back then with a representative from inkbird, they stated it was a known problem and was working to correct it. That was a couple years ago.

 

[minus9]

I'm waiting to hear back from their tech support, but I have a feeling I'm going to look in another direction for precise control.

 

[Unholy_Rigatoni]

Can't remember my model, but I used it for a planted tank and like Flippers' it ran so far off calibration I adjusted the offset to the maximum (+10 degrees Celsius) and it went beyond. Junked it and got a second Apex probe instead!

 

[minus9]

My apex is spot on, I just don't want to keep using it as the main controller, fearing the relay on the outlet will fail from turning on/off constantly. I was torn between the Ranco and Ink Bird, but decided to try the Ink Bird. I like a lot of the features the Ink Bird offers, but if it doesn't hold accurate temp, then what's the point? Thanks for everyone's input! Happy reefing!

 

[ca1ore]

How old? Older versions had temp probe problems.

 

[minus9]

How old? Older versions had temp probe problems.

Brand new. Hasn't been on the tank for a week yet. I emailed their tech support, so we'll see?

 

[minus9]

Tech support asked if I could dry the probes and test the air temperature. Let's see where this goes.

 

[Uncle99]

Yup, I, no longer use the inkbird 306A to manage temp, but, it’s close enough to be used as a backup to turn off heat if my digital heater fails in on mode.

 

[pelphrey]

I love the Hanna CheckTemp to verify temps!

HI98509 Checktemp 1 Digital Thermometer

Knowing the temperature of your reef tank is very important, and with the Hanna Checktemp HI98509 Digital Thermometer, you can accurately know your aquariums temperature within 0.5°F. Each Checktemp comes with a 3.3' silicone cable that has a stainless steel probe at the end that gives rapid...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

 

[Uncle99]

Tech support asked if I could dry the probes and test the air temperature. Let's see where this goes.

That’s interesting.....let me play with that thinking....thanks for this....

 

[minus9]

Reading air temperature, the unit was reading 1 degree higher. Which to me isn't a deal breaker, I can adjust for the difference, but what I can't deal with is a swing in the reading after adjusting the calibration. The fluctuation could swing between - 0.3 to - 1.4

 

[minus9]

I'm going to return the unit and buy a Ranco. I hope the Ranco has a tighter tolerance than the ink bird? For those who have or are considering the ink bird, be aware of the temp swings. It may be acceptable for some, but not me.

 

[minus9]

Ranco came in yesterday, so I wired it up and put it on the tank. After a few hours I made two adjustments and it's rock solid so far. Should've bought one in the first place.
Tank is 78, give or take a half of a degree.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Ranco came in yesterday, so I wired it up and put it on the tank. After a few hours I made two adjustments and it's rock solid so far. Should've bought one in the first place.
Tank is 78, give or take a half of a degree.

Nice! I plan on buying one soon!