What is the temp

[White Hair]

Since i set up my tank i’ve been using the controller on the heater as my thermometer, have had it set at 78’ , recently bought a Hone Forest tds/ thermometer, ck’d the temp of my water with the Hone and it read 71’ as opposed to 78’ on heater controller, are the hones accurate, how do i find out which one is correct, thanks.

 

[Mrtakeoff53]

I wouldn’t trust a built in thermometer on a heater for the life of me. Get a quality thermometer with good reviews for your tank. Maybe get another local reefer with a good thermometer to help you out and see what one is correct. But be weary of your heater. They can fail in the on position and kill your tank in a hurry. Mine is controlled by my apex.

 

[mike550]

A couple of thoughts for you. First, I would use a third thermometer right by the temp probe to see which of your first two readings is off. I have three digital thermometers all the same model and they will vary by a degree. But I use one of these to check my temp probe. Second, I double check my temp with a thermometer every few days. It will vary within a degree so I don’t worry too much.

 

[fishguy242]

menards has a small pen like digital thermo for meat found very accurate

 

[White Hair]

Since i set up my tank i’ve been using the controller on the heater as my thermometer, have had it set at 78’ , recently bought a Hone Forest tds/ thermometer, ck’d the temp of my water with the Hone and it read 71’ as opposed to 78’ on heater controller, are the hones accurate, how do i find out which one is correct, thanks.

i have a raytek mini infrared thermometer, are they compatible with tanks?

 

[mike550]

i have a raytek mini infrared thermometer, are they compatible with tanks?

There was a debate about using IR thermometers on other posts. I think the problem is that they measure heat off of things that reflect. Water is clear so you don’t get a reflection. You end up measuring the temp of the surface of the container. I haven’t given it much thought.

I have a Hanna salinity checker that also measures temp. Before I got that I used a digital cooking then that cost around $12

 

[X-37B]

I have an IR, Hanna, and a lab grade mercury thermometer.
The IR can vary 3°F depending on where you put it.
Both the Hanna and mercury read within .5°C of each other which is about 1°F.
Thats close enough for me as long it is stable.