Which heater controller for 310g mixed reef?

[CincyReefer07]

Trying to decide between the aqua logic controller and the inkbird wifi controller. I am nearing the end of my 310g mixed reef build and still need to buy a heater controller. I am running 2 Eheim Jager heaters (a 300 and a 250watt). The heaters will be plugged into the heater controller and the heater controller will be plugged into my Hydros XP8.

What do you guys recommend? And why? One heater will be in sump, the other in my overflow.

 

[blaxsun]

Innovative Marine Helio is another option (just about to deploy one in my tank as an upgrade to the Inkbird).

 

[CincyReefer07]

Innovative Marine Helio is another option (just about to deploy one in my tank as an upgrade to the Inkbird).

I’ll have to look into that one. Only one I ever hear of is inkbird and that aqua logic seems so industrial it seemed like a good option.

 

[Floribraska]

AquaLogic looks like a rebranded Ranco: https://www.rancoetc.com/etc-controllers
As you noted, the Ranco controller is certainly more industrial. I had an Inkbird for a couple years ago and it was "ok", but after switching to a Ranco, I will never look back! Here is a link to the pre-wired versions: https://www.rancoetc.com/etc-prewired

 

[KStatefan]

I would not use anything besides a Ranco or Aqualogic onm my systems. I use a few Rancos at work on chillers in a weld shop and have never had a failure.

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

+1 the ranco or re branded aqua.logic.

I use a finnex hc 800 u dial controller with 800w element ... but I don't use a tank computer/controller.
D

 

[CincyReefer07]

I would not use anything besides a Ranco or Aqualogic onm my systems. I use a few Rancos at work on chillers in a weld shop and have never had a failure.

I find it funny, I post the same question on a Facebook group and everyone says inkbird, here it’s aqua logic. I tend to trust answers I get more from this forum than Facebook groups.

 

[blaxsun]

I find it funny, I post the same question on a Facebook group and everyone says inkbird, here it’s aqua logic. I tend to trust answers I get more from this forum than Facebook groups.

Inkbird is generally the cheapest.

 

[Kingston]

I would not use anything besides a Ranco or Aqualogic onm my systems. I use a few Rancos at work on chillers in a weld shop and have never had a failure.

What heater do you use with the Ranco, because I think that is also important since a heater can fail on you despite having a solid controller.

 

[ReefEco]

+1 on the Ranco, I have two on my 900g system each controlling a 500w Finnex titanium element, then plugged into an Apex. Been pretty solid, though I wish the 1 degree resolution was smaller, for smaller temp swings.

 

[KStatefan]

What heater do you use with the Ranco, because I think that is also important since a heater can fail on you despite having a solid controller.

I am currently using BRS and Ehiem heaters

 

[WVNed]

On a big tank you dont run A heater.
I run 7.
If one fails It isn't a big deal. I go find the one that is cold while they are on and replace it.
If they fail on you will never know because the controller still turns them on and off.

 

[DavidinGA]

I'm not a big fan of controllers for heaters.

I prefer to run multiple undersized heaters. Running undersized prevents a "stuck" heater from overheating your tank (which is how they almost always fail in the "on" position) and you're also not at the mercy of a failed controller.