Temperature Control â€“ I hate when things fail!

Leafer · 12/17/2007, 07:29 PM

Iâ€™m looking for recommendations for a basic controller. Let me start with an outline. I recently added an Aqua Medic Biotherm controller. When I came home tonight my aquarium temp was around 70. Apparently we had a brief power failure and this did not resume at my desired temperature. I liked this product because it was inexpensive and it provided a beautifully visible display.

The timers for my lights are totally adequate and my Vortech pump has a wave driver. What Iâ€™d want in a controller are the following:

+ reliability and resumption after a power failure
+ control of my heater when temps are low
+ accuracy (though I know consistency is most important. There is a range of 6 degrees between all my thermometers)
+ the ability to turn on a fan when temps are high would be nice.
+ the more visible the display the better

Considering the price and features I figure folks will say look at this - http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~NS1163.html. I donâ€™t really need all the features and I donâ€™t want to throw money at a flaky gadget (if this is such).

Here is another item which has basically what Iâ€™m looking for. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&pcatid=13967. For a substantial price this has far few features and I have yet to hear of someone using one.

My third option is just to pull the Biotherm and go without it and save the cash.

Iâ€™d appreciate any comments or suggestions especially if you use these types of controllers.

Thanks.

Donw · 12/17/2007, 08:03 PM

Quote:

I have yet to hear of someone using one.

Thanks. [/B]

That is a ranco and probably the most widely used temp controller in the hobby. It is very accurate and the most dependable controller on the market. Its been a proven superior product for many years. It will controll your fans just fine.

Don

atvdave · 12/17/2007, 08:37 PM

I use the ACjr, but like you said you really don't need a timer for your lights.

I just like that you can sit at your computer and monitor, control, and program the controller.

However I have heard nothing but good thing about the Ranco controllers as well.

reef / aholic · 12/17/2007, 10:01 PM

Ranco - ETC Dual Stage Controller

kdblove_99 · 12/18/2007, 12:55 AM

I also use the Ranco. They are pretty inexpensive also

humbugy · 12/18/2007, 02:57 AM

ranco dual stage, happy with it

Leafer · 12/18/2007, 07:23 AM

Now that's awesome, clear frank answers. I did some more reading on the Ranco and will be ordering one today - its just what I'm looking for. Thanks for the replys.

goreefer · 12/18/2007, 07:32 AM

I ordered my Ranco Dual Stage from "The Ranco ETC Store" on line.
Excellent prices, fast service.
I purchased the dual stage so I can control both my heater and a cooling fan.
After having a tank crash after two heaters stuck on it was a nice insurance policy.

jennibee13 · 12/18/2007, 05:50 PM

ranco dual stage, one stage 2 heaters, one stage 2 fans on sump, 76 heaters on, 77 heaters off..................82 fans on, 81 fans off...........................

Jim_S · 12/18/2007, 06:00 PM

Ranco ETS 2 stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Philwd · 12/18/2007, 07:43 PM

I use acjr for my display and Rancos on my nano and frag tank.

goreefer · 12/18/2007, 09:18 PM

Same here.

USC-fan · 12/18/2007, 09:30 PM

I use the reefkeeper and it have a lot more option than some of the other controllers. Well worth the $$.

12/17/2007, 07:29 PM	#1
Leafer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Flanders, NJ Posts: 259	Temperature Control â€“ I hate when things fail! Iâ€™m looking for recommendations for a basic controller. Let me start with an outline. I recently added an Aqua Medic Biotherm controller. When I came home tonight my aquarium temp was around 70. Apparently we had a brief power failure and this did not resume at my desired temperature. I liked this product because it was inexpensive and it provided a beautifully visible display. The timers for my lights are totally adequate and my Vortech pump has a wave driver. What Iâ€™d want in a controller are the following: + reliability and resumption after a power failure + control of my heater when temps are low + accuracy (though I know consistency is most important. There is a range of 6 degrees between all my thermometers) + the ability to turn on a fan when temps are high would be nice. + the more visible the display the better Considering the price and features I figure folks will say look at this - http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~NS1163.html. I donâ€™t really need all the features and I donâ€™t want to throw money at a flaky gadget (if this is such). Here is another item which has basically what Iâ€™m looking for. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...&pcatid=13967. For a substantial price this has far few features and I have yet to hear of someone using one. My third option is just to pull the Biotherm and go without it and save the cash. Iâ€™d appreciate any comments or suggestions especially if you use these types of controllers. Thanks.

12/18/2007, 06:00 PM	#10
Jim_S Timo Boll Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 5,333	Ranco ETS 2 stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ We will survive in this world of competition, shooting guns and our ammunition... Bradley Nowell Current Tank Info: We're recreating the ocean in our livings rooms. With that said, I've had some ups and downs.

12/17/2007, 08:37 PM	#3
atvdave Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newburgh, IN Posts: 1,763	I use the ACjr, but like you said you really don't need a timer for your lights. I just like that you can sit at your computer and monitor, control, and program the controller. However I have heard nothing but good thing about the Ranco controllers as well.

12/17/2007, 10:01 PM	#4
reef / aholic Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: houston \| texas Posts: 647	Ranco - ETC Dual Stage Controller

12/18/2007, 12:55 AM	#5
kdblove_99 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Frederick,CO Posts: 8,683	I also use the Ranco. They are pretty inexpensive also

12/18/2007, 02:57 AM	#6
humbugy Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: bloomington, il Posts: 464	ranco dual stage, happy with it

12/18/2007, 07:23 AM	#7
Leafer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Flanders, NJ Posts: 259	Now that's awesome, clear frank answers. I did some more reading on the Ranco and will be ordering one today - its just what I'm looking for. Thanks for the replys.

12/18/2007, 07:32 AM	#8
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	I ordered my Ranco Dual Stage from "The Ranco ETC Store" on line. Excellent prices, fast service. I purchased the dual stage so I can control both my heater and a cooling fan. After having a tank crash after two heaters stuck on it was a nice insurance policy.

12/18/2007, 05:50 PM	#9
jennibee13 Moved On Join Date: May 2007 Location: NY Posts: 180	ranco dual stage, one stage 2 heaters, one stage 2 fans on sump, 76 heaters on, 77 heaters off..................82 fans on, 81 fans off...........................

12/18/2007, 07:43 PM	#11
Philwd Premium Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Gilbert, Az Posts: 4,057	I use acjr for my display and Rancos on my nano and frag tank.

12/18/2007, 09:18 PM	#12
goreefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 825	Same here.

12/18/2007, 09:30 PM	#13
USC-fan Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 3,626	I use the reefkeeper and it have a lot more option than some of the other controllers. Well worth the $$.