2nd temp probe or Inkbird for redundancy?

[tymo92]

Debating whether to pick up a 2nd temp probe for my Apex or have both heaters run through a separate controller like an Inkbird. I already have a spare temp port on my PM2 module so it’s cheaper to pick up a probe.

Curious if anyone has thoughts on better/safer method for redundancy?

Both heaters are titanium without onboard temperature control, so purely controlled by the Apex.

 

[Reefer Matt]

Debating whether to pick up a 2nd temp probe for my Apex or have both heaters run through a separate controller like an Inkbird. I already have a spare temp port on my PM2 module so it’s cheaper to pick up a probe.

Curious if anyone has thoughts on better/safer method for redundancy?

Both heaters are titanium without onboard temperature control, so purely controlled by the Apex.

I personally run heaters with an onboard thermostat to avoid cycling the EB832 often. So using an inkbird in your case can do the same thing if you want. I set the Apex at my alarm set point and the thermostats a couple degrees less. It’s up to you, and how often the outlets cycle, imo.

 

[zbrusko]

FWIW, Inkbird may have a bad lot or something. I bought 3 of the wifi controllers (2 from BRS, one from Amazon) in the last few weeks and all of them were stuck reporting 90+ in 68 degree water. Never had in issue in the past, so it is unlikely user error!

 

[tymo92]

FWIW, Inkbird may have a bad lot or something. I bought 3 of the wifi controllers (2 from BRS, one from Amazon) in the last few weeks and all of them were stuck reporting 90+ in 68 degree water. Never had in issue in the past, so it is unlikely user error!

I have seen mixed reviews on the Inkbirds on reliability... I am leaning towards a second temp probe for this reason.

 

[Skep18]

I use an Inkbird in addition to my Apex. No heating/cooling is plugged into it but it allows me to have 2 independent temperature readings. I have had an Apex temp probe fail. But the best added benefit is I have a physical temperature display so I can glance and see the tank temp every time I walk by.

I also use Inkbird units for my salt water mixing setup and QT tanks. I've personally never had one fail. I've used their products in other hobbies too with the same experience.

 

[X-37B]

I use Aqualogic controllers on all my systems. I do not use system controllers like Apex.

 

[apac]

I have seen mixed reviews on the Inkbirds on reliability... I am leaning towards a second temp probe for this reason.

Inkbird do a version with two temp probes

 

[klr0808]

FWIW, Inkbird may have a bad lot or something. I bought 3 of the wifi controllers (2 from BRS, one from Amazon) in the last few weeks and all of them were stuck reporting 90+ in 68 degree water. Never had in issue in the past, so it is unlikely user error!

I have read this as well on the reviews lately. I wanted to buy one for my 20 gallon and have been hesitant

 

[zbrusko]

FWIW, Inkbird may have a bad lot or something. I bought 3 of the wifi controllers (2 from BRS, one from Amazon) in the last few weeks and all of them were stuck reporting 90+ in 68 degree water. Never had in issue in the past, so it is unlikely user error!

I have read this as well on the reviews lately. I wanted to buy one for my 20 gallon and have been hesitant

I have 2 older ones with no issues. They’re great when they work.

 

[cba191]

I have a hydros with a temp probe. It's set up to cut power to the inkbird if the temp exceeds a certain temp.

 

[n2585722]

I use my Hydros to control my heaters and also use 2 temp probe on it. The heaters also have thermostats that are set 3 degrees higher than the turnoff temp set in the Hydros as a backup. However you do it I would have a backup off for heaters. Also set it so you get an alert if that were to happen. On mine I have temp limits both high and low that will send an alert along with power monitoring on the heater outputs so if the wattage is not in range either way when the output is on I gent an alert.