Temperature control for dummies

[Neptune 555]

I am not digesting all the information on how to make a redundant system to heat your reef. I have 2 reefs so economics matter. Would this work.

• HMA-S HEATER W/ ANALOG CONTROLLER - FINNEX. 300W for a 75 gallon 20 gallon sump
• Does this system actually come with a controller or am I supposed to add a controller? The controller I have been looking at is Ink Bird Thermostat Controller. But I am not sure if this is required as the product says controller in the name? Am I buying two of the same product?
• If you have a controller do you need a temperature probe b/c isn't the controller accurate to set the tank temp?

Thank you!!

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/hma-s-heater-w-analog-controller-finnex.html

 

[vegamedic]

the finnex heaters come with a controller, but you should still add one. i have a very similar one that holds water temp at a rock steady 4 degrees below what i actually have it set at, so i ended up buying a reefkeeper w/ temp probe for peace of mind. i have the finnex set a few degrees higher than the RK so the RK decides when to turn them on and off but in the event it fails the finnexes wont stay locked on forever. an inkbird will accomplish the same thing

 

[JacklePappy]

I have an inkbird that has ability to control heating or cooling. Both the heater and the temp probe are in the sump (30 Gal). It's maybe 6 months old and I have to set it five degrees over what I want the tank (200 Gal) temperature to be. Oh, and the temperature delta seems to be climbing with time, meaning the inkbird indicated temp is gradually climbing.

I'm currently working out the best way to monitor temp in multiple places in the tank with a fair bit of redundancy. Please post updates to advise what you decided to do?