Temperature controller

[aquaman67]

I want to start using a temperature controller. I use two 100 watt heaters on my 50 gallon tank.

I’d like something with high and low alarms and WiFi enabled would be great too.

Does anything like this exist?

Thanks!

 

[lapin]

A used Apex might be a good thing.

 

[Snoopy 67]

Ranco is a highly recommended unit but not wifi capable.

 

[Mattman1977]

I use both ranco controller plugged into my apex. Redundancy is my friend.

 

[cvrle1]

Look into Inkbird itc-306a. There is a WiFi version that sends alarms to the app on your cell phone

Temperature Controller ITC-306T | INKBIRD

ITC-306T is a pre-wired heating output temperature controller with time function specifically for breeding and planting. It can be set to two different temperatures with its function of dual time cycle setting during 24 hours according to the day and night, which can more suitable for the...

www.ink-bird.com

Not sure why link is showing model as 306T. Link is right, model number shown above is not.

 

[aquaman67]

Look into Inkbird itc-306a. There is a WiFi version that sends alarms to the app on your cell phone

Temperature Controller ITC-306T | INKBIRD

ITC-306T is a pre-wired heating output temperature controller with time function specifically for breeding and planting. It can be set to two different temperatures with its function of dual time cycle setting during 24 hours according to the day and night, which can more suitable for the...

www.ink-bird.com

Not sure why link is showing model as 306T. Link is right, model number shown above is not.

After doing a little research I know the answer to your question.

The. “A” model has one probe. The “T” model has two probes. The “T-A” model has two probes and they are the plastic coated probes for Aquariums.

And that’s the one I went with. Thanks for the advice.

 

[chris k.]

This looks like the brs controller. Are they the same internally?

 

[cvrle1]

This looks like the brs controller. Are they the same internally?

Adam- Bulk Reef Supply We've partnered with inkbird to create a custom heater controller. While the controller itself looks similar to the older model, we've made some changes to the internal components to create what we think is the perfect stand alone heater controller. Here are a couple of the more notable changes.

-Two plugs, both for heating elements. The previous model that we stocked had one plug for heating and another for cooling. This new BRS heater controller is specifically designed for heaters.

-Smaller temp swings. The inkbird model had a 1 degree temp swing. One of the biggest pieces of feedback that we've gotten is that 1 degree is too large. We've narrowed this down to 0.3 degrees F.

-The BRS heater controller can be calibrated.

-BRS Customer Service. The BRS heater controller will be warrantied through BRS directly. If you have an issue, simply give us a call."

This is for older models, so 1st point doesnt count any more, as inkbird controller now has 2 aquarium probes as well for heaters. 1degree swing is also wrong, as if you switch inkbird to Celsius, you will be able to adjust to 0.3F as well. And inkbird can be calibrated as well. So other than warranty, I would say it is exact same controller with inkbird costing quite a bit less.

 

[aquaman67]

“

1degree swing is also wrong, as if you switch inkbird to Celsius, you will be able to adjust to 0.3F as well.

I don’t follow this part.

Are you saying that if you run the inkbird in Celsius mode it will only swing 0.3* F?

 

[chris k.]

I had tried the brs controller but i could not get a tight temp swing. This controller was swinging 1.5 degrees f. I also tried in Celsius but the swing stayed the same.

 

[cvrle1]

“


I don’t follow this part.

Are you saying that if you run the inkbird in Celsius mode it will only swing 0.3* F?

Sorry, let me try to explain that again. The lowest adjustable swing when using fahrenheit is 1.0 degree. When using Celsius its adjustable to .1C which is about .18 degrees. So if you go into celsius mode, you can have finer adjustments, and lower swings. Of course there is a degree of accuracy/deviation to take into consideration as well.

 

[aquaman67]

So I just got and installed the controller linked above. I didn’t get mine from Inkbird. I got mine from a place that deals with SALTWATER AQUARIUMS and is a .COM (I don’t know the rules on what we can mention)

Anyway

It was super easy to set up and now has full control of heating my tank.

I’m an idiot for not doing this sooner.

I was never able to get two heaters running independently to come on at the same time. I mean really, how could you? I would fiddle with the thermostats and get them close but they never worked in unison.

Now, with this controller they are both guaranteed to come on together.

I’m sure others here are running Apex’s and such. But this was an “ah ha” moment for me.

 

[cvrle1]

In case anyone is interested in Inkbird ITC-306A, Inkbird is selling them on eBay for $44.99, however they will accept offer of $39 (free shipping).

I got 2 for that price, and they are WiFi version with 2 plastic probes. They ship from China, but item arrived to me in 1 week, so really fast.

Inkbird Digital WiFi Temp.Controller Thermostat ITC-306T Only Heat APP Control | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Inkbird Digital WiFi Temp.Controller Thermostat ITC-306T Only Heat APP Control at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[Reef Box]

@cvrle1 Do you know if the two outlets are independent? Can I set one to turn on at a certain temp and the other to turn on and a different tempos a back up heater?

 

[aquaman67]

@cvrle1 Do you know if the two outlets are independent? Can I set one to turn on at a certain temp and the other to turn on and a different tempos a back up heater?

on the one I have both outlets come on at the same time. There is no way to separate them.

you’d have to get two separate controllers set at two different temps.

 

[Reef Box]

on the one I have both outlets come on at the same time.

Thanks

 

[blackstallion]

Sorry, let me try to explain that again. The lowest adjustable swing when using fahrenheit is 1.0 degree. When using Celsius its adjustable to .1C which is about .18 degrees. So if you go into celsius mode, you can have finer adjustments, and lower swings. Of course there is a degree of accuracy/deviation to take into consideration as well.

According to the specs, this is the accuracy: Temperature Display Accuracy:0.1℃/℉(<100℃/℉), 1℃/℉(>=100℃/℉)

Which I'm reading as if the temperature is less than 100C than the accuracy is closer to 0.1C and if the temperature is greater than 100C than accuracy is closer to 1C.

Is this what people are seeing for accuracy with this controller?