Temperature monitor

[jasonrusso]

I am looking for a temperature monitor that will alert me if I set a high and low threshold. It would obviously have to be wifi to do this. I run a Fowler so I am not going to buy a $1000 controller just for this.

I just want to be notified if my heater gets stuck on or off. I do have a backup heater, but what if that one failed as well

 

[jason2459]

Reefkeeper lite + net module + netgear wifi adapter

Or Apex Jr or light (I think they still sell these) + netgear wifi adapter

Or snatch up a used Apex now classic + wifi adapter.

 

[ddwmedic]

Joey the on the king of DIY has a video on making one cheap...

 

[Ou8me2]

Honestly, I think you are overthinking yourself. If you run 2 smaller sized heaters on a temp controller like the Inkbird or Ranco then it would be pretty safe bet on temp. It's very unlikely that 2 heaters will fail exactly at the same exact time and the one that does work will be able to keep it fairly warm so you don't have a huge heat swing but it won't fry your tank either even if it got stuck in the on position. I run 2-150 watt heaters on my 75-gallon never have had an issue.

 

[jasonrusso]

Honestly, I think you are overthinking yourself. If you run 2 smaller sized heaters on a temp controller like the Inkbird or Ranco then it would be pretty safe bet on temp. It's very unlikely that 2 heaters will fail exactly at the same exact time and the one that does work will be able to keep it fairly warm so you don't have a huge heat swing but it won't fry your tank either even if it got stuck in the on position. I run 2-150 watt heaters on my 75-gallon never have had an issue.

I have a 210 and I have 2 300w via aqua titanium heaters. I don't check the temperature daily to be honest.

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

I have the apex jr. Cost 289 at my lfs. I love it. Connect to WiFi and you will get email and text alerts

 

[jasonrusso]

I have the apex jr. Cost 289 at my lfs. I love it. Connect to WiFi and you will get email and text alerts

That's what I'm leaning towards. How did you do the wifi? A plug in module?

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

I bought a WiFi extender and plugged the ethernet into that. Works very well

 

[jasonrusso]

NETGEAR N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender, Essentials Edition (EX2700) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L0YLRUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_K8r1ybMGV4K1X

 

[jasonrusso]

I bought a WiFi extender and plugged the ethernet into that. Works very well

Like the one above?

 

[slipknotgrrl83]

NETGEAR N300 Wi-Fi Range Extender, Essentials Edition (EX2700) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L0YLRUW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_K8r1ybMGV4K1X

That's the one I have

 

[A4goulet]

I have been doing some research on this topic as well and came across this wifi temp probe. I cant find anyone using it yet but for $40 I think I might have to try it. The cool thing with this is it also has a leak detection probe. The negative is to receive SMS alerts there is a monthly fee. Only $1/month though.

La Crosse Technology 926-25106-Wgb Wireless Monitor System Set with Wet Probe https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06ZYJ5L5B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZEwiAbZPNXTV1

 

[A4goulet]

Additionally I am wondering if I could wire a float switch into one of these sensors to give SMS alerts. The gateway will hold up to 5 sensors.

 

[mtraylor]

I would personally snag an apex jr instead of looking for a heater with controller. You will reap allot of benefits from a controller.

 

[Luno]

I use an STC-1000 (it's a temperature controller for home brew) total cost $30. It's deadly accurate and has never failed me. It doesn't notify you, however your temp will never get out of control. You connect your heater/s and chiller/fans and set a max and min temp. If your heater or chiller malfunctions and tries to over heat or cool it will turn off one and turn the other on.

It has its own probe so no crossover issue with different temp readings. Just set your heater to say 1 degree higher than your controller and chiller/fan to 1degree lower than controller