Thermometers, where is the best location???

[treedog5]

I am having issues getting a true reading for my tank temperature, so I thought I would ask where the overwhelming majority of people are placing their thermometer?
I bought 3 different digital thermometers and tested them all at 3 different location in my system ( overflow-sump- display ) and they all gave me different readings. Granted 2 where 1 to 2 degrees different I found it strange that none where almost close to exact.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

I have one in my refugium right after my two heaters (200 watt and 150 watt) and one in my display. The Refugium thermometer is 0-.5 degrees higher than display.

Where is your heater located? Size? Size of your tank?

 

[treedog5]

My tank is a 50cube with a 16 gallon sump. I currently have my thermometer and heater in my sump. My thoughts were that the return pump and the heater would make the reading higher but I get about the same reading in the overflow box also.

 

[mcarroll]

I am having issues getting a true reading for my tank temperature, so I thought I would ask where the overwhelming majority of people are placing their thermometer?
I bought 3 different digital thermometers and tested them all at 3 different location in my system ( overflow-sump- display ) and they all gave me different readings. Granted 2 where 1 to 2 degrees different I found it strange that none where almost close to exact.

The tank with the temperature you care about is the one with all the animals.

Individual thermometers can vary...put them all in the same location and compare to see if that's the case.

 

[Joey waid]

I agree the tank is all that matters.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I run two heaters (rated less than what's required for my tank) and I keep them in the sump. but they're controlled by an apex and I have a temp probe in my dt.

 

[treedog5]

Thanks for the input guys, I placed 3 thermometers into my overflow and this was the readings ( 74.2-78.6-80.1). So I went with the average and assumed my true temp is about 77. Right now I have them placed in the sump and get about the same numbers, I will move them back to the overflow just to be safe.