Ranco controller

[Ncreefer]

Can you hook a heater to it that has a digital thermostat? Like one in picture Does it have to be just a regular heater? Looking for a ranco or something similar.

 

[laverda]

I have several Ranchos available for sale, the heater just plugs into it. I also have one that can be hard wired? $60 each'

 

[Ncreefer]

I have several Ranchos available for sale, the heater just plugs into it. I also have one that can be hard wired? $60 each'

Used

 

[laverda]

Yes

 

[jda]

It depends on if the heater will remember the settings. The Ranco will cut power just like you unplugged it.

 

[Ncreefer]

It depends on if the heater will remember the settings. The Ranco will cut power just like you unplugged it.

Better if just a regular heater then

 

[Ncreefer]

It depends on if the heater will remember the settings. The Ranco will cut power just like you unplugged it.

Looking for a fail safe. Could u set ranco for like 81 and when it hits that temp shuts heater down?

 

[jda]

It does not work like that. Ranco will control the temp. You set the heater a degree more to not run if the Ranco has an issue.

Nobody has ever heard of a Ranco sticking on. They fail every once in a while, but always off.

 

[Ncreefer]

It does not work like that. Ranco will control the temp. You set the heater a degree more to not run if the Ranco has an issue.

Nobody has ever heard of a Ranco sticking on. They fail every once in a while, but always off.

Fail as in don't come on?

 

[jda]

That is what you want with any controller for any item - if they are going to fail, then fail off. I have never had a Ranco fail. Most people have not. There are few stories out there... like maybe a handful in all of the years.

Things that should never be off (return pump) should never be hooked up to a controller.

 

[laverda]

Wow I did not realize how inexpensive you can get Rancho controllers these days. They used to be over twice as much. That being the case I will take $20 each for them as they need the watch batteries inside replaced.

 

[laverda]

It does not work like that. Ranco will control the temp. You set the heater a degree more to not run if the Ranco has an issue.

Nobody has ever heard of a Ranco sticking on. They fail every once in a while, but always off.

That is the best way to set them up. That way your not relying on the cheap points in the heater except if something goes wrong with the Rancho. The Ranchos are industrial controllers designed for critical equipment and super reliable.

 

[jda]

I did an appraisal once in a Medical Research facility that had probably 2.5 million dollars in pathogens and other biological material in a cooler. There were a pair of Ranco Controllers working the cooler... the same ones that I use on my paltry costing reef (compared to that).

 

[Ncreefer]

I did an appraisal once in a Medical Research facility that had probably 2.5 million dollars in pathogens and other biological material in a cooler. There were a pair of Ranco Controllers working the cooler... the same ones that I use on my paltry costing reef (compared to that).

That's cool!! Thanks for all the info. Setting up a frag tank for high end sps and figured I'd do something to it and the main tank. I use to have a Apex I sold it. Was to complicated for me.

 

[ca1ore]

I suppose you could use the Ranco as your failsafe and set it slightly higher than the integrated controller. Rather defeats the purpose of using a commercial grade controller though. I’ve three of them and yet to have any issues.

 

[Hemmdog]

Wow I did not realize how inexpensive you can get Rancho controllers these days. They used to be over twice as much. That being the case I will take $20 each for them as they need the watch batteries inside replaced.

What do you mean by watch batteries? I’d be very interested at $20

 

[laverda]

They have small batteries inside to keep the settings if power to them goes out.

 

[Hemmdog]

They have small batteries inside to keep the settings if power to them goes out.

Nice. they are wired up with normal plugs and work good? Besides the battery? No rust or anything? Do you have any pics?

 

[laverda]

Nice. they are wired up with normal plugs and work good? Besides the battery? No rust or anything? Do you have any pics?

I have one without plugs and 2 with plugs. I have a fourth one the will control both heating and chilling.

 

[Lonely reefer's]

My 75g(near windows) i run 300w Eheim heater set @77 and Ranco controller to shut off @79
The tank stay @78 all day until T5 come on and the temp claim to 79,the Ranco switch the heater off and back on when the tank temp drop to 77