I do it's an inkbird controller, works greatDefinitely good, but if you have a total fail on and you aren't home, hopefully you have a separate controller to shut it off or alert if they fail off.
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
I do it's an inkbird controller, works greatDefinitely good, but if you have a total fail on and you aren't home, hopefully you have a separate controller to shut it off or alert if they fail off.
they're point is buy yearly something that doesn't need to be purchased. they make loads of money off of people with so-called catastrophic events. money is money especially for a business.I guess that could be true to some degree but their point is for $50 it's good to change something often that can be the most likely catastrophic event for the tank. I agree it's more for the heaters but they do say for the inkbird too. In my case after a year it's malfunctioning so I have no choice.
I like to get notifications if the temp drops. Even with a Ranco controller, if I'm away and the heaters fail off, the Ranco controller isn't gonna help. I do not have a smart system controller and I would have no clue the temp would be dropping. Wifi inkbird solves that. While I totally agree that having a Ranco temp controller is the most solid, for me, I want temperature notification. If I had a Hydros or Neptune it's would be a great choice for me. Also it's a Helios that I just got, not a Hydros. Helios is a heater with a controller. If I had the Hydros I agree I'd be all set and wouldn't need an inkbird.They are junk.............. if you already have the Helios controller that's all you need. If you want dual redundancy use a heater brand that has a controller as well.
Rancos are #1........mine are going on 23 and 10 years on two separate systems without failure or replacement.
There is no need for WIFI............a heater controller is set and forget. Reliability and performance is what's important.
I agree. Right now it's an inkbird and two finnex titaniums with controllers and soon it will be my new Helios with controller and either a Hydros or another Inkbird.I plug my Inkbird into my Hydros XP8. Or put another way, I'd recommend one layer of redundancy even with Hydros (heater with its own bimetallic thermostat or a controller like Inkbird or Helios).
The wifi notifications are why I like the inkbird. I run two titanium BRS heaters on the inkbird, which has 2 temp probes.I like to get notifications if the temp drops. Even with a Ranco controller, if I'm away and the heaters fail off, the Ranco controller isn't gonna help. I do not have a smart system controller and I would have no clue the temp would be dropping. Wifi inkbird solves that. While I totally agree that having a Ranco temp controller is the most solid, for me, I want temperature notification. If I had a Hydros or Neptune it's would be a great choice for me. Also it's a Helios that I just got, not a Hydros. Helios is a heater with a controller. If I had the Hydros I agree I'd be all set and wouldn't need an inkbird.
Yeah me too!! As fun as having a Hydros controller would be (and I really would love a water level indicator for my top-off tank!!), I just don't wanna spend the money right now, so I will probably just pair the new Helios heaters/controller with a new Inkbird. Hopefully the new one will be good for more than a year.The wifi notifications are why I like the inkbird. I run two titanium BRS heaters on the inkbird, which has 2 temp probes.
I used to run an apex, but got rid of it and now I dont use any controllers.
BRS would say that, so you keep buying more for no reason.
I've had my inkbird heater controllers for 2+ years with no issue other than having to reload the app after a power outage.
they have great products
Totally agree on the BRS thing and this is also great advice. Originally my inkbird was .5 off, but I haven't tested it in the year since. I'll definitely do that again today. Thanks!!One other thing that I think is important, yet often overlooked, is calibrating your controller. All the external heater controllers I've used allow you to "offset" the temperature of the controller one way or another. I do it every 6 months or so.
I just recalibrated my InkBird (using a certified thermometer) again the other day. The controller was reading .7 degrees higher than the actual water temp, so I adjusted accordingly. Now I know that 78 on the controller is actually 78 in the water.
Any ideas about a saltwater thermometer that has smart notifications? I guess I'd consider a Ranco if there was. I also don't like messing with the wires and it seems like that is necessary too, although I probably could do the wiring if it didn't require anything too in depth.Multiple heaters on Ranco is still the best. If you want some sort of notification, then get something just to notify you and not to control anything.
The chances of multiple heaters failing are near nil. I have never had an heating/cooling issue with this method, so I guess that my Ranco can alert but it never has had the need.
BRS says replace the Inkbird every year anyway so I guess that's what I'll do.
Inkbird have been notoriously bad. Some last but most do not. Usually, they just drift and cannot hold a constant reading. You hear of new models and them getting better, but they just seem to stay the same... hobby grade, disposable products.
I have not heard of inkbirds sticking on like some of the early Apex outlets.
Google the Reef Factory Thermo View, works well and I couldn't find anything else that does the same. Its a simple wifi connected temperature monitor. I use an Inkbird controller but it doesn't send me notifications.Any ideas about a saltwater thermometer that has smart notifications? I guess I'd consider a Ranco if there was. I also don't like messing with the wires and it seems like that is necessary too, although I probably could do the wiring if it didn't require anything too in depth.