So for Black Friday I purchased their aquarium heater controller. I figured that having my apex power bar flip on and off 12 times because I like to maintain a .5 degree, will help save my power bar’s life whilst, hoping to minimize the temp swings and be even more controlled. Anyhow, I figured I would leave my old apex programming the same on the apex since I want a .3 degree swing. Before if the temp dipped below 77.5 it kicked the heater back on to 78.0. I set the BRS controller to 77.7 back to 78.0. Long story short... this controller was swinging a whole degree based off my apex. I calibrated it, and even temp matched it to my apex and yet it would get to 77.2 before it kicked on yet the BRS controller said it was 77.7 which was it’s “.3” swing.
Now comparing this to my apex heating
All in all, I was disappointed so I called and told them about it and they said that there have been reports that the controller was “finicky” and not maintaining a proper temperature and that they need me to send it in for a testing. So cool, lets see what they come up with. Two days ago I received an email from them saying the controller is fine and I have a heating element that might be “too big” so I am not left with a faulty device. Not very happy.
BRS email:
“Hey there!
I just wanted to reach out and let you know that we tested the heater controller and it performed flawlessly. We tested it for 2 days and the temp held steady with no drift outside the set range. This issue may be that the element you have is over powered heater that is causing the system to over shoot the set temp. Will be sending the controller back today, let me know if you have any questions!
Take care”
Me:
“Hmm... after sending back the heater controller temp has become more in line. Heating element is not overpowered as I am using a 100w BRS titanium heater, in a red sea reefer 170. As you are saying it properly heated the tank for .3 swing at max without any hiccups? “
BRS:
“That would be correct. Based off your tank size the heater is slightly oversized that would result in the temp swings you might see.”
Me:
“Thomas I am finding that statement inconclusive. The red sea reefer is 34 plus 9 gallon sump which puts the total system volume at 43. Not taking into account that the ato has been turned into a refugium so adding about 1 gallon to system overall. Which would be 44 gallons. If we do some math an take the rock and equipment displacement, lets say 6 ish gallons that would put me at 38 gallons overall. I always round up and say 40. On your website you clearly say that the 100w titanium heater is best up to 40 gallons. I am finding this annoying how you can say that it is over heating when I am following your guidelines! “
Now comparing this to my apex heating
All in all, I was disappointed so I called and told them about it and they said that there have been reports that the controller was “finicky” and not maintaining a proper temperature and that they need me to send it in for a testing. So cool, lets see what they come up with. Two days ago I received an email from them saying the controller is fine and I have a heating element that might be “too big” so I am not left with a faulty device. Not very happy.
BRS email:
“Hey there!
I just wanted to reach out and let you know that we tested the heater controller and it performed flawlessly. We tested it for 2 days and the temp held steady with no drift outside the set range. This issue may be that the element you have is over powered heater that is causing the system to over shoot the set temp. Will be sending the controller back today, let me know if you have any questions!
Take care”
Me:
“Hmm... after sending back the heater controller temp has become more in line. Heating element is not overpowered as I am using a 100w BRS titanium heater, in a red sea reefer 170. As you are saying it properly heated the tank for .3 swing at max without any hiccups? “
BRS:
“That would be correct. Based off your tank size the heater is slightly oversized that would result in the temp swings you might see.”
Me:
“Thomas I am finding that statement inconclusive. The red sea reefer is 34 plus 9 gallon sump which puts the total system volume at 43. Not taking into account that the ato has been turned into a refugium so adding about 1 gallon to system overall. Which would be 44 gallons. If we do some math an take the rock and equipment displacement, lets say 6 ish gallons that would put me at 38 gallons overall. I always round up and say 40. On your website you clearly say that the 100w titanium heater is best up to 40 gallons. I am finding this annoying how you can say that it is over heating when I am following your guidelines! “