Ink bird temperature controller

[Reef Jockey]

Can anyone reccomend an Ink Bird tempcontroller? What's the difference between the 306T, 308S, or 306A? I'm just looking for a controller to turn on a fan at the desired upper temp and shut off when lower temp setpoint is reached. I don't need a heater
thanks in advance

 

[PeterC99]

Just making sure you don’t have an Apex. I’ve programmed the temp probe on my Apex to turn the fan on when the aquarium‘s temp hits 79.5 and off at 78.5.

 

[EricR]

I have the ITC-306T ('cause it's the cheapest one).

It'll turn ON/OFF the 2 outlets at specified temps so I'd say good enough for what you're looking for.

I think the ITC-306A is the better one that most use, with more features, but don't have one so won't comment more on that.

 

[Idech]

That’s the one you need because it’s made to be under water. The regular ones have a probe that will rust long term.

You can buy this one with wifi or not. I have the non-wifi version and it’s perfect. I don’t see the need for wifi, because once it’s set, you very rarely touch it again.

Inkbird Temperature Controller ITC-308S Aquarium Probe for Saltwater with Heating and Cooling Outlet​

 

[Reef Jockey]

Just making sure you don’t have an Apex. I’ve programmed the temp probe on my Apex to turn the fan on when the aquarium‘s temp hits 79.5 and off at 78.5.

thanks, i don't have an Apex

 

[Reef Jockey]

appreciate the feed back all. difference in cost between the 306T and the 308S is 6 bucks so i think i will spend the extra 6 bucks with piece of mind that the probe won't rust

 

[Mr Cypher]

honestly be careful with ink bird I got one with my BRS heater and the app has issues and the wifi feature went out after 45 days almost fried my fish

 

[Reef Jockey]

honestly be careful with ink bird I got one with my BRS heater and the app has issues and the wifi feature went out after 45 days almost fried my fish

thanks for the tip. I'll stay away from the wifi enabled Ink Bird. Will stay with local control only

 

[EricR]

appreciate the feed back all. difference in cost between the 306T and the 308S is 6 bucks so i think i will spend the extra 6 bucks with piece of mind that the probe won't rust

On Amazon, ITC-306T is $29 and ITC-308S is $49 so, I'd say:
If you're finding the 308S somewhere for $35, then that's just $6 more.
If you're seeing the 306T for more than $29, check Amazon.

*also, mine has a plastic (or something) covered probe, not metal, so don't think it'll rust. (Weird that Amazon has same models listed multiple times and the pictures show metal probes for some and plastic-coated for others).

This is the one I have:

Inkbird ITC-306T

*just note that none of the cords are detachable so if the probe fails or the outlets fail, you can't change them out,,, not modular

 

[Zoa_Fanatic]

appreciate the feed back all. difference in cost between the 306T and the 308S is 6 bucks so i think i will spend the extra 6 bucks with piece of mind that the probe won't rust

Totally worth it. That’s the one I use and I wouldn’t have a tank without it

 

[Reef Jockey]

On Amazon, ITC-306T is $29 and ITC-308S is $49 so, I'd say:
If you're finding the 308S somewhere for $35, then that's just $6 more.
If you're seeing the 306T for more than $29, check Amazon.

*also, mine has a plastic (or something) covered probe, not metal, so don't think it'll rust. (Weird that Amazon has same models listed multiple times and the pictures show metal probes for some and plastic-coated for others).

This is the one I have:



*just note that none of the cords are detachable so if the probe fails or the outlets fail, you can't change them out,,, not modular

Eric, this is the 308S i found on Amazon. Is it the same 308S that's been recommended?

 

[EricR]

Eric, this is the 308S i found on Amazon. Is it the same 308S that's been recommended?

Yeah,,, weird, it's listed multiple times,,, link in post# 4 is $49 but the link you found is $35 -- Go for it!

I'd say the changeable probe is worth the extra $6 alone. (Not sure what other better features it has)

 

[EricR]

Sorry for yappin' again but reading more:

Sounds like the ITC308-S has one outlet for HEATING and one for COOLING.
You'll probably only use the HEATING outlet (come ON at low temp and go OFF at high temp).

COOLING programming is probably opposite, I'm guessing (come ON at high temp and go OFF at LOW temp) so you won't use that right now.

Might have other features too ...
I still say GO FOR IT!

 

[Reef Jockey]

Sorry for yappin' again but reading more:

Sounds like the ITC308-S has one outlet for HEATING and one for COOLING.
You'll probably only use the HEATING outlet (come ON at low temp and go OFF at high temp).

COOLING programming is probably opposite, I'm guessing (come ON at high temp and go OFF at LOW temp) so you won't use that right now.

Might have other features too ...
I still say GO FOR IT!

thanks for checking.. appreciate your diligence..

 

[Idech]

Yeah,,, weird, it's listed multiple times,,, link in post# 4 is $49 but the link you found is $35 -- Go for it!

In my post (#4) the price (49$) is in Canadian dollars, that’s why it looks more expensive.

 

[EricR]

In my post (#4) the price (49$) is in Canadian dollars, that’s why it looks more expensive.

DOH! I see...

*and to the OP, you actually need the COOLING function on this, not heating.
(got so far down a rabbit hole, forgot you were trying to run a FAN, not a heater)
...sorry

 

[Reef Jockey]

DOH! I see...

*and to the OP, you actually need the COOLING function on this, not heating.
(got so far down a rabbit hole, forgot you were trying to run a FAN, not a heater)
...sorry

No worries mate!!!