Anyone have an InkBird Heater Controller fail?

[Fish Fan]

Hey guys!

I've got a newer 25 gallon tank that has been nothing but a headache for me, and I'm getting kind of frustrated with it

The latest issue appears to be a faulty InkBird controller, has anyone else had one of these fail?

I purchased an InkBird ITC-306A V4 on April 8th, it was brand new, but purchased from an eBay vendor, so maybe this was a knock off unit??
https://www.ebay.com/itm/153639019605
It has worked flawlessly since I got it until yesterday. I have a single BRS Titanium Heating Element plugged into the InkBird, and my Robo-Tank aquarium controller backs up the InkBird (fortunately!). I try to run my tank about 78F, my InkBird is set to cut off for a high temp at 80F, and my Robo-Tank system will shut the InkBird down altogether if the tank temp goes over 80.6F.

Starting yesterday, the InkBird high temp alarm was going off. The water would heat to 80.6F, then Robo-Tank shuts down the power outlet the InkBird is plugged into. The water cools some, the InkBird gets powered back on until it heats again to 80.6F when the tank controller shuts it off. Repeat cycle.

So it would seem to me that the InBird itself is malfunctioning and constantly powering the heater. Has anyone seen this before? Is my InkBird just shot after barely 6 months of use?

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[BryanM]

I've certainly read of others reporting failures.

 

[Malcontent]

It's not unheard of. They don't appear to be high quality devices.

I use a smartplug and smart thermometer instead for thermostat redundancy.

 

[Sean Clark]

I have a commercial grade inkbird that is over 10 years old and still going strong.

 

[Fish Fan]

Thanks for the replies guys!

I have a commercial grade inkbird that is over 10 years old and still going strong.

What is a commercial InkBird? I've got Ranco's stashed away for my next build.

I use a smartplug and smart thermometer instead for thermostat redundancy.

That's basically what my Robo-Tank controller system does, and fortunately it did work to catch the malfunctioning InkBird.

I'm bummed that it's barely 6 months old

 

[Sean Clark]

Thanks for the replies guys!


What is a commercial InkBird? I've got Ranco's stashed away for my next build.

 

[exnisstech]

I've been using them for quite a few years and currently have 4 in use. The only failure I remember is a temp sensor on one but I can't even remember which model and if it was a metal or plastic sensor.

 

[Fish Fan]

Interesting!

 

[Fish Fan]

I've been using them for quite a few years and currently have 4 in use. The only failure I remember is a temp sensor on one but I can't even remember which model and if it was a metal or plastic sensor.

Thanks for your reply. I know you've said in the past that you don't have much trouble either yours. This is actually the second InkBird I've tried and had issues. The first one wouldn't hold temp, I was seeing +/- 2 degree swings in a day, but that was their other model, and it did come to me used. But this one here I purchased new from an eBay vendor.

I'm not sure if I should go for another InkBird or try something else.

 

[Sean Clark]

Interesting!

I can get you a model number when I get home. Ranco are just as good a a Johnson control unit. They are just built better than hobby grade temperature controllers (apex and hydros included).

 

[Fish Fan]

I can get you a model number when I get home. Ranco are just as good a a Johnson control unit. They are just built better than hobby grade temperature controllers (apex and hydros included).

If you can, I'd like to take a look at what you have. I've got two Ranco's on hand for another build, and was thinking of just using one here.

 

[RoanokeReef]

I used them for homebrewing and my kegerator, they both failed at almost 2 years give or take.

 

[exnisstech]

I'm not sure if I should go for another InkBird or try something else.

TBH with the luck you've had I would move on. No reason to go for a third strike. Heat isn't anything to take chances with but you know that.

 

[Fish Fan]

TBH with the luck you've had I would move on. No reason to go for a third strike. Heat isn't anything to take chances with but you know that.

Agreed, and I'm glad I had this InkBird backup. I'll take a look at some other options. Thanks fore your help!

 

[Sean Clark]

I can get you a model number when I get home. Ranco are just as good a a Johnson control unit. They are just built better than hobby grade temperature controllers (apex and hydros included).

Here is a link to the Inkbird that I have; even though it sounds like you are moving on and forward with the Ranco.

https://inkbird.com/products/pid-temperature-controller-ipb-16s?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google

 

[Fish Fan]

Here is a link to the Inkbird that I have; even though it sounds like you are moving on and forward with the Ranco.

https://inkbird.com/products/pid-temperature-controller-ipb-16s?utm_medium=organic&utm_source=google

I think I'm moving away from the low end InkBird for the time being. I've got a couple Rancos, but I'll check out this link and look at some other options like maybe Helios. Thanks for the link!

 

[rtparty]

Yep and I don’t recommend them. We see them fail constantly in the multiple groups and forums I visit.

Aqua Logic is the best I’ve ever used. Rebranded Ranco and worth every penny

 

[Dirtyshoez]

What do you have the heater difference set at?

 

[Fish Fan]

Yep and I don’t recommend them. We see them fail constantly in the multiple groups and forums I visit.

Aqua Logic is the best I’ve ever used. Rebranded Ranco and worth every penny

Thanks, brother! Yeah, I've got two Ranco's squirreled away for my "real" build, but I may just use one of those here in this 25 gallon.

 

[rtparty]

Thanks, brother! Yeah, I've got two Ranco's squirreled away for my "real" build, but I may just use one of those here in this 25 gallon.

I definitely would. No reason to let them waste