Ranco controller, single vs double

[t5Nitro]

Looking to add another heater controller to my system. I have a dual stage aqualogic now. It looks like you can still buy them from aqualogic directly, although Ranco offers a single and dual stage NEMA4X rated controller as well at a slightly lower cost. It's quite a bit different to go with a single stage.

Can you add an outlet extension and plug in multiple heaters to a single stage heater controller or is this typically not advised?

Realizing I want another good temp control after seeing the Jager heaters turned on with the dial at 77 (or even 75) and the new water is sitting at 81-83F by an oldschool mercury thermometer.

 

[Harpo]

I have only used a single. Mu rudimentary understanding is that a double could control heat & a chiller.

 

[Big E]

Sucks about the Jaeger..........I had one I had been using for about 8 years and replaced it due to age. I started using it for my make up water and it was the same as your problem. I have it set at 73 and it heats to 80.

A brand new one was the same..............temp setting is set a good 7-8 degrees below what it's actually putting out.

You can plug two heaters into a single stage Ranco...........just make sure you aren't above the controllers capacity which is fairly high per the manual.
file:///C:/Users/knif4/Downloads/ETC%20Commercial%20Temperature%20Controls%20Specifications.pdf

If it's prewired I believe they make sure the cord will accomodate the capacity you want to use. If you're going to wire it yourself make sure you get the correct wiring which I think is 16 gauge.

Another option could be the Helio-------

I bought one of the Helio controllers to try out recently as I like some of it's product options like the
magnet probe holder. It can accomodate 1000 watts,

I also bought one of their full heater systems to try out.

Innovative Marine AUQA GADGET - Helio Heater Universal Controller

HELIO Universal Aquarium Heater Controller - Ultimate Temperature Control The HELIO smart controller bridges the gap between hobby grade and commercial controllers. Its processor goes hand in hand with the titanium sensor to keep your temperature readings stable. The controller...

premiumaquatics.com

 

[KStatefan]

Looking to add another heater controller to my system. I have a dual stage aqualogic now. It looks like you can still buy them from aqualogic directly, although Ranco offers a single and dual stage NEMA4X rated controller as well at a slightly lower cost. It's quite a bit different to go with a single stage.

Can you add an outlet extension and plug in multiple heaters to a single stage heater controller or is this typically not advised?

Realizing I want another good temp control after seeing the Jager heaters turned on with the dial at 77 (or even 75) and the new water is sitting at 81-83F by an oldschool mercury thermometer.

The NO contacts on the Ranco single stage are rated at 15 amps. If you do not need a two stage there is no benefit in getting one.

 

[t5Nitro]

Awesome. Thanks guys. @Big E those helios look pretty cool. Didnt know you could buy the control box and probe independent of the whole system.

@KStatefan good to know. My aqualogic is already two stage and I have it set for heating and cooling. I wouldnt need another one to control cooling again. So I can grab a single stage and load the single plug with a few heaters no problem it sounds like.

 

[Big E]

Awesome. Thanks guys. @Big E those helios look pretty cool. Didnt know you could buy the control box and probe independent of the whole system.

@KStatefan good to know. My aqualogic is already two stage and I have it set for heating and cooling. I wouldnt need another one to control cooling again. So I can grab a single stage and load the single plug with a few heaters no problem it sounds like.

Yes, I thought the Helio total system was a good deal as a Ranco with a good heater is the same price.

From what I researched most people were very happy with the Helio heater setups.

I will say my first Ranco is still running after 20 years. Second is about 8 years. The only thing to make sure of with these is you have to clear epoxy the probe & the wire seam connection. Some use some heat sealed film to do this.

 

[BZOFIQ]

The only thing to make sure of with these is you have to clear epoxy the probe & the wire seam connection. Some use some heat sealed film to do this.

This is why AquaLogic always epoxy sealed theirs in a section of Titanium pipe.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I have only used a single. Mu rudimentary understanding is that a double could control heat & a chiller.

Either can control heat or stage and has to be switched between these modes. Two-stage allows for two heaters (or chillers/other devices) so that when the first heater comes on and the temp is still falling the 2nd stage is activated.

 

[Bbyari]

Hi All found this and I just purchased a two stage controller but will only be connecting a heater. I bought the prewire unit so my first question is which female connector is the heater? Second question is if im only connecting one heater does the prgramming matter?