Inkbird probe question

[Hectorg214]

Thinking about getting the Inkbird 306 but some have a metal probe and others have a probe with a suction cup. What's the difference and which one is better??

 

[EricR]

I'd get the version that has the coated probes, usually marketed for aquarium.
I think most people that use the metal probes coat/encase them with something to avoid corrosion over time.

I use ITC-306A with the coated probes (for aquarium) and am happy with it.

The suction cups work in the beginning but, eventually, seem like they get less flexible and stop holding well (over a long period of time).
I use a dual probe magnetic holder that I got pretty cheap somewhere online (maybe Etsy or eBay,,, don't remember).

 

[Hectorg214]

Is the 306A the wifi one and is it reliable? I've read they are complicated and sometimes too much trouble.

 

[X-37B]

I run Aqualogic controllers on 4 systems.
There are several on ebay. I have bought 3 used and one new.
They have a titainium probe.
https://ebay.io/m/sw2rz7

 

[EricR]

Is the 306A the wifi one and is it reliable? I've read they are complicated and sometimes too much trouble.

I use the ITC-306A wifi model.
Never had a single problem whatsoever.
Nothing complicated about it, in my opinion.

It's much easier/intuitive to adjust settings in the app but you can do it on the unit itself if necessary, you just have to read how to figure out which buttons do what.

 

[Schlagerdogin]

Is the 306A the wifi one and is it reliable? I've read they are complicated and sometimes too much trouble.

I have the WiFi one and it works great for me. Haven’t had any issues yet, but I’ve also only had it for about 4 weeks so take that with a grain of salt.

Also, would love to know where you got the magnetic probe holders? Can’t seem to find them lol. My suction cups are holding up fine for now but would like the magnetic ones in the future.

I'd get the version that has the coated probes, usually marketed for aquarium.
I think most people that use the metal probes coat/encase them with something to avoid corrosion over time.

I use ITC-306A with the coated probes (for aquarium) and am happy with it.

The suction cups work in the beginning but, eventually, seem like they get less flexible and stop holding well (over a long period of time).
I use a dual probe magnetic holder that I got pretty cheap somewhere online (maybe Etsy or eBay,,, don't remember).

 

[X-37B]

I have the WiFi one and it works great for me. Haven’t had any issues yet, but I’ve also only had it for about 4 weeks so take that with a grain of salt.

Also, would love to know where you got the magnetic probe holders? Can’t seem to find them lol. My suction cups are holding up fine for now but would like the magnetic ones in the future.

There are many holders available.
I dont remember where I got mine.

 

[EricR]

Not sure where I got mine and hope it's OK to post links.
Mine looks like below and I'm sure I just bought the cheapest one I found (probably Etsy) -- no issues after 4-5 years of use.

Cheapest one I see quickly is <$10 -- have to pick color and "Magnetic Probe Mount" from the dropdowns:
Magnetic Probe Mount

I see one for about $20 on Printed Reef that looks the same:
Magnetic Probe Mount

EDIT -- might consider/research magnet strength of different ones for your glass thickness. I have a 40G breeder with THIN (3/16" ?) glass on sides and the cheapie one works fine but I could see the magnet maybe not being strong enough for much thicker glass... FYI

 

[Mr. Mojo Rising]

I also use the 306A, I never use the wifi though, I just set up manually and forget about it.

 

[exnisstech]

Is the 306A the wifi one and is it reliable? I've read they are complicated and sometimes too much trouble.

I have 4 of them running some several years and have been happy. I'm sure there are better options available but I'm happy with the inkbirds for the price.

I'm not to concerned about appearance so I zip tie the probes to a of rock rubble to keep them submerged. I've found suction cups pretty useless.

 

[EricR]

I also use the 306A, I never use the wifi though, I just set up manually and forget about it.

I agree that it's still a good unit without wifi but there are, occasionally, times when I appreciate the app (and unit using wifi):
1. Offline Notification -- if you're away and power goes out, you (eventually) get an "offline" alert. Mine takes like 1-1.5 hours to trigger alert on my phone but still something.
2. Temperature Trend Graph -- if ever curious how my OLD heaters are doing over cold, long nights, I can just glance at the temp graph for previous nights.

 

[Hectorg214]

Would the one probe or two probe be better. I feel like with two it might be cluttered. Also if I get the two probe one, where to u place the probes? Do u place them together or one near each heater or one on each corner of the tank???

 

[EricR]

Would the one probe or two probe be better. I feel like with two it might be cluttered. Also if I get the two probe one, where to u place the probes? Do u place them together or one near each heater or one on each corner of the tank???

I like the ITC-306A that I think you're considering for a few reasons other than the dual probes.
Mine happens to have two probes. Not sure if they make a single probe version but there are other InkBird models with single probe.

I "think" the dual probes are just so if one probe fails (or is somehow inaccurate), you get an alert.
I mount both probes together in same holder.

 

[Bear22]

Would the one probe or two probe be better. I feel like with two it might be cluttered. Also if I get the two probe one, where to u place the probes? Do u place them together or one near each heater or one on each corner of the tank???

Inkbird is all over the place with their products. And their website muddies the waters a bit as well.

Whichever model you go with I would get the plastic coated probe that has the detachment coupling. That way you can replace it if it goes south. With some Inkbird controllers the probe is hardwired to the control unit.