Via Aqua Titanium heater versus Apex Temp probe

kevl · 12/12/2013, 01:30 PM

Just replaced a Marineland heater with a ViaAqua Titanium heater and it's reading 1-2 degrees higher than my Apex temp probe. I've tried placing both probes in different areas of the tank. (with flow)

My thought is that my 3yr+ old temp probe may need replacing.

OR simply, one is accurate and the other not, it's only 1 degree, doesn't really matter move on..

Anyone have experience with using these two probes side by side and how one might differ from the other? Life expectancy of apex probe?

Thx

dartier · 12/12/2013, 02:09 PM

I can't help with Apex, but I can say that both my Reef Angel temperature probes match each other, and match my Finnex digital heater. The new Via Aqua Titanium heater I just purchased is about 2 degrees off from all of the above.

Overall I am very disappointed in the Via Aqua heaters. I purchased them as I thought the external temperature controller would make a good fail safe to my controller, but it appears that they are too inaccurate and lose their settings when the power is cut (or at least that is how it appears). The last bit makes them pretty useless for use with a controller as the control cuts power as its normal means of control.

For controller use I would stear clear and just buy a titanium heater that plugs into a 110v socket (E.g. directly to a controller outlet).

Dennis

BenBradford · 12/12/2013, 02:26 PM

I would definitely go with a probe over a heater. Heaters are classically incorrect. If you have a question between 2 items however, use a third instrument to determine which is correct and adjust accordingly.

kevl · 12/12/2013, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dartier

I can't help with Apex, but I can say that both my Reef Angel temperature probes match each other, and match my Finnex digital heater. The new Via Aqua Titanium heater I just purchased is about 2 degrees off from all of the above.

Overall I am very disappointed in the Via Aqua heaters. I purchased them as I thought the external temperature controller would make a good fail safe to my controller, but it appears that they are too inaccurate and lose their settings when the power is cut (or at least that is how it appears). The last bit makes them pretty useless for use with a controller as the control cuts power as its normal means of control.

For controller use I would stear clear and just buy a titanium heater that plugs into a 110v socket (E.g. directly to a controller outlet).

Dennis

Thanks - I would love to buy a titanium heater that plugs directly into my controller but it's a small tank and haven't found a 200w (non-controller) version. Only 500w+. Anyone know of one?

thegrun · 12/12/2013, 03:10 PM

It is best to use a good lab grade thermometer to calibrate your heater and temperature probe. As posted above heater thermometers are notoriously inaccurate, while most temperature probes read close to true, but only by comparing the probe and heater to a known source can you be sure. As far as using your controller, once you know how far off your heater thermometer is, you can set it at a slightly higher temperature than where you want the heater to turn off at and then use your Apex to control the heater. If the controller were ever to malfunction the heater's thermometer would act as a back-up safety device.

dartier · 12/12/2013, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevl

Thanks - I would love to buy a titanium heater that plugs directly into my controller but it's a small tank and haven't found a 200w (non-controller) version. Only 500w+. Anyone know of one?

Finnex and Aqua Media have a 300W Ti heating tube. That is the closest I have seen to 200W.

Dennis

12/12/2013, 01:30 PM	#1
kevl Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: East Coast Posts: 82	Via Aqua Titanium heater versus Apex Temp probe Just replaced a Marineland heater with a ViaAqua Titanium heater and it's reading 1-2 degrees higher than my Apex temp probe. I've tried placing both probes in different areas of the tank. (with flow) My thought is that my 3yr+ old temp probe may need replacing. OR simply, one is accurate and the other not, it's only 1 degree, doesn't really matter move on.. Anyone have experience with using these two probes side by side and how one might differ from the other? Life expectancy of apex probe? Thx

12/12/2013, 02:09 PM	#2
dartier Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Brampton, ON, Canada Posts: 958	I can't help with Apex, but I can say that both my Reef Angel temperature probes match each other, and match my Finnex digital heater. The new Via Aqua Titanium heater I just purchased is about 2 degrees off from all of the above. Overall I am very disappointed in the Via Aqua heaters. I purchased them as I thought the external temperature controller would make a good fail safe to my controller, but it appears that they are too inaccurate and lose their settings when the power is cut (or at least that is how it appears). The last bit makes them pretty useless for use with a controller as the control cuts power as its normal means of control. For controller use I would stear clear and just buy a titanium heater that plugs into a 110v socket (E.g. directly to a controller outlet). Dennis __________________ 560G Miracles tank in process making a DIY DyMiCo style filter (for 560G) Current Tank Info: 560G Miracles tank in progress, 80Frag Temporary

12/12/2013, 02:26 PM	#3
BenBradford Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 53	I would definitely go with a probe over a heater. Heaters are classically incorrect. If you have a question between 2 items however, use a third instrument to determine which is correct and adjust accordingly. __________________ I can't stop thinking about fish...

12/12/2013, 03:10 PM	#5
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	It is best to use a good lab grade thermometer to calibrate your heater and temperature probe. As posted above heater thermometers are notoriously inaccurate, while most temperature probes read close to true, but only by comparing the probe and heater to a known source can you be sure. As far as using your controller, once you know how far off your heater thermometer is, you can set it at a slightly higher temperature than where you want the heater to turn off at and then use your Apex to control the heater. If the controller were ever to malfunction the heater's thermometer would act as a back-up safety device.