Heater Controller

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

I want to pick up a heater controller. I'm looking at the ranco diy and the inkbird. the inkbird looks better because I don't have to do any wiring and the temp probe is waterproof. also the inkbird is just $30. the ranco has a better reputation, seems like it will last longer and is about $55.

there is also a 2 stage ranco controller that would allow me to control fans mounted on top, that unit is about $100.

thoughts? experiences? alternatives?

I do not have any other controllers now and don't know if I'll be getting one in the future. probably yes but I haven't made a conscious decision as to when.

 

[Justin]

I almost got an ink bird but there's to many bad reviews out there of them failing after a few months and other issues arising. I've only seen good things about ranco, another good option is an apex jr if your looking to stay in that $100 range. That's what I use and haven't had any issues and my temp stays consistent. Good luck! Edit : a used apex jr **

 

[myrjon]

Buy a ranco ,I use these.

 

[Haus]

I use inkbird. I have it set for the alarm to go off at +/- 1 degree and it does when I do water changes and the level drops below the probe. Otherwise the temp remains in the range I set it for. I’m haopy with it.

 

[amado]

As per Neptune they suggest you don’t connect heaters directly to their eb8.
They said it’s better to connect your heaters to a $30 ink bird and let that handle the constant on and off. Instead of plugging it into a eb8 and damaging a $250 power strip with the constant on and off.

so that how I have it setup

 

[Mark_C]

Using 2 inkbirds here on 2 tanks.
One, heater and cooler, running 1 year.
One, heater function only, going on 3 years.
No problem with either, and on the occasions I check the temps are within 0.2 - 0.4 of manual readings (which admittedly are done with a Weber steak thermometer (best manual temp machine ever imho)).

 

[horseplay]

As per Neptune they suggest you don’t connect heaters directly to their eb8.
They said it’s better to connect your heaters to a $30 ink bird and let that handle the constant on and off. Instead of plugging it into a eb8 and damaging a $250 power strip with the constant on and off.

so that how I have it setup

Dropping $250 but can't connect a heater to it? Arguably that's the first thing people use it for

My dosing pumps connected to the EB8 are on/off 24 times a day for years without issue. And it's a mechanical relay too.

 

[Sponge]

I have used two inkbyrds for one year. Never a problem. They control heater and fans. Very consistent. Not one problem so far.

 

[amado]

Dropping $250 but can't connect a heater to it? Arguably that's the first thing people use it for

My dosing pumps connected to the EB8 are on/off 24 times a day for years without issue. And it's a mechanical relay too.

I am going on what Terrence from Neptune said. In their eyes it’s better to damage a $40 heater controller than kill a $250 power strip. Remember the heaters are like 300 watts your dosing pump is low power

 

[horseplay]

I am going on what Terrence from Neptune said. In their eyes it’s better to damage a $40 heater controller than kill a $250 power strip. Remember the heaters are like 300 watts your dosing pump is low power

I always had multiple heaters (two 300w for example) plugged into eb8 for years. I assume it goes on/off less frequent than the dosing pumps. I am just surprised they would say that.

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

I am going on what Terrence from Neptune said. In their eyes it’s better to damage a $40 heater controller than kill a $250 power strip. Remember the heaters are like 300 watts your dosing pump is low power

I read the same thing and saw the guys on BRS say the same thing!

I always had multiple heaters (two 300w for example) plugged into eb8 for years. I assume it goes on/off less frequent than the dosing pumps. I am just surprised they would say that.

yeah I think everybody agrees with you!

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

Using 2 inkbirds here on 2 tanks.
One, heater and cooler, running 1 year.
One, heater function only, going on 3 years.
No problem with either, and on the occasions I check the temps are within 0.2 - 0.4 of manual readings (which admittedly are done with a Weber steak thermometer (best manual temp machine ever imho)).

didmt know inkbird could control heating and cooling. ill look over the models again

 

[ecam]

I just recently read the same thing as well. Debating on getting a controller for on of the heaters and leaving one plugged into apex as redundant. But pretty stupid given the price of these things.

 

[amado]

i am in apex hell right now. my EB32 and EB 8 are not working.
i opened up a ticket with neptune. but i am thinking maybe i should just buy amazon smart power strips and be done with it

 

[ecam]

wow that really sucks... did you get a power surge or something?

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

i am in apex hell right now. my EB32 and EB 8 are not working.
i opened up a ticket with neptune. but i am thinking maybe i should just buy amazon smart power strips and be done with it

how does amazon smart power strips work?

 

[amado]

They allow you to turn on and off plugs using Alexa voice. You can also setup a schedule to run on and off lights. You can say Alexa turn off pumps or turn on return pump

 

[mickeysreef <*))))<]

They allow you to turn on and off plugs using Alexa voice. You can also setup a schedule to run on and off lights. You can say Alexa turn off pumps or turn on return pump

cool, i'll start thinking about those too, but i'll have to get alexa first lol. i wanted to set up a door cam and i wanted to go google but my homeowners association went ring. now i dont know what to do.

i think im going to get an inkbird 308s for now and see how it goes. i dont see an inkbird model that has dual probes, wifi AND heating/cooling. its like one or the other i guess. ranco is appealing but im going the cheaper route for now. ranco is like 100 for the 2 stage without the cords

 

[amado]

cool, i'll start thinking about those too, but i'll have to get alexa first lol. i wanted to set up a door cam and i wanted to go google but my homeowners association went ring. now i dont know what to do.

i think im going to get an inkbird 308s for now and see how it goes. i dont see an inkbird model that has dual probes, wifi AND heating/cooling. its like one or the other i guess. ranco is appealing but im going the cheaper route for now. ranco is like 100 for the 2 stage without the cords

Ok good luck

 

[horseplay]

cool, i'll start thinking about those too, but i'll have to get alexa first lol. i wanted to set up a door cam and i wanted to go google but my homeowners association went ring. now i dont know what to do.

i think im going to get an inkbird 308s for now and see how it goes. i dont see an inkbird model that has dual probes, wifi AND heating/cooling. its like one or the other i guess. ranco is appealing but im going the cheaper route for now. ranco is like 100 for the 2 stage without the cords

The ink bird (I have a different brand and it stopped working within a month) will turn the device off when the temp reaches the high and turn it on when the temp reaches a low in the heat more. It will do the reverse in the cold mode. So only one sensor is needed.