Thermometer/heater controller

[Jason Collins]

So I currently use 1 inkbird controller and finnex heater in my 93 cube. Im getting a 210 gallon tank going and what to have 2 heaters in it. Is there a controller that I can use for both of the heaters? Or do I have to have 1 Inkbird controller per finnex heater? It would be nice if I could use only 1 controller and have both heaters plugged into it. And im not talking about the $800 apex.... Something more like an inkbird that can simple control 2 heaters. Not 1 heater and 1 chiller.

Thanks

 

[LittleMaui]

Might be better to use 2 anyway in case one fails. I too used the same setup before getting an apex. Worked great

 

[Jason Collins]

After looking around amazon... it appears the maybe the inkbird ITC-306T is what im looking for. It says it doesn't have cooling. It has 2 plugs for heating and from what I understand each plug has its own settings. So I could put one as the main setting. Then the second one at 1 or 2 degrees lower so if the first one fails for some reason the second one would kick on... does anyone use this inkbird? Does it work as I described? If so that's probably the one I want it's only 30 bucks.

 

[afuel]

If you want to cut and strip some wires you could use a commercial dual temp controller like one made by Ranco and get it done for under $100

 

[Lorenz725]

I have 2 is the Inkibird 306T. I always keep 2 heaters in my tank for backup. They work and do what I need them to do.

 

[Tastee]

You do want to think about redundancy - if both heaters are controlled by the same device (Inkbird) then if that fails both heaters are affected. I control my main heater from my Apex, with it’s internal thermostat set just above the Apex off level (in case Apex fails and doesn’t turn it off) but run my backup directly off mains with it’s internal thermostat set just below the Apex on level so it isn’t exposed to an Apex fail.

 

[Dburr1014]

After looking around amazon... it appears the maybe the inkbird ITC-306T is what im looking for. It says it doesn't have cooling. It has 2 plugs for heating and from what I understand each plug has its own settings. So I could put one as the main setting. Then the second one at 1 or 2 degrees lower so if the first one fails for some reason the second one would kick on... does anyone use this inkbird? Does it work as I described? If so that's probably the one I want it's only 30 bucks.

I have that one. It's about a year old and temp is off like 25 degrees already. I have to keep adjusting it. I think it's garbage.

 

[Jason Collins]

I have that one. It's about a year old and temp is off like 25 degrees already. I have to keep adjusting it. I think it's garbage.

How do people really know what the correct temp is. I used 3 different temperature "testers/controllers" and got 3 different readings. All farely close only off by about 1 degree so I sort of just averaged them out and went with it. That was 2 different inkbird controllers and a PH meter/temperature tester I have:

https://www.amazon.com/Oakton-WD-35...5KDGPV2FF2Q&psc=1&refRID=D7R5Z3Q1N5KDGPV2FF2Q

I try to assume the most accurate is the EUTECH Instruments tester I have..

 

[NS Mike D]

I had two heaters hooked up to my controller - no problem. I just peaked at the controller for a quick temp read and I was confident all was working. If a heater failed off, I'd notice the tank stuggling to maintain temp and if a heater failed in the on, the controller would take over.

When I upgraded to an apex, I did the same, both heaters into one plug (using a Y cord). The difference is I can get alerts but otherwise it's the same concept

About once a month I do a quick check of the heaters to make sure they are OK

 

[Dburr1014]

I have an old glass thermometer that I can check it against. Never hear of them going bad... Unless they break. [emoji6]

 

[Forsaken77]

So I currently use 1 inkbird controller and finnex heater in my 93 cube. Im getting a 210 gallon tank going and what to have 2 heaters in it. Is there a controller that I can use for both of the heaters? Or do I have to have 1 Inkbird controller per finnex heater? It would be nice if I could use only 1 controller and have both heaters plugged into it. And im not talking about the $800 apex.... Something more like an inkbird that can simple control 2 heaters. Not 1 heater and 1 chiller.

Thanks

I have seen too many Inkbird failing situations from people. I also wouldn't use two separate controllers, just 1 good one (not expensive).

If you want a reliable temp controller, you could go with the Aqua Logic single stage that can go up to 1,000 watts of heaters. The American Marine Pinpoint is good also (I have this one going for 4 years with two 300 watt heaters). The Pinpoint is a bit more costly, so I would go with the Aqua Logic, personally, and just use a splitting cord to attach multiple heaters.

The heaters own internal thermometer is the redundancy.