Lifetime of Apex Temp Probe?

[TessGlo]

My temperature readings suddenly started to be unstable in my 120 gal system. Within the span of 5 min the temp reading would vary by .5 -1 degrees. There is no way the temp is actually changing that fast. A simple digital thermometer shows as stable at 77.8-78 when the apex probe is showing a higher temp. The apex probe is not near the heater to cause such fluctuations. I'm wondering if the probe is just old, I've had it in use for around 2 years.

I have a finnex heater without its own internal temp controller, which eventually I plan to change to a heater with a temp control to act as a backup, but for now the apex is controlling the heater.

Do I possibly need to just replace the probe? Anything else I should try?

 

[GoVols]

My temperature readings suddenly started to be unstable in my 120 gal system. Within the span of 5 min the temp reading would vary by .5 -1 degrees. There is no way the temp is actually changing that fast. A simple digital thermometer shows as stable at 77.8-78 when the apex probe is showing a higher temp. The apex probe is not near the heater to cause such fluctuations. I'm wondering if the probe is just old, I've had it in use for around 2 years.

I have a finnex heater without its own internal temp controller, which eventually I plan to change to a heater with a temp control to act as a backup, but for now the apex is controlling the heater.

Do I possibly need to just replace the probe? Anything else I should try?

FWIW:
I'm on my third Apex temp probe in about 5 years, and always run cheap backup digital's to cross check.

My problem has been that after I re calibrate one, the new calibration would not hold.

I'd like to buy one of these down the road.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/traceable-long-stem-calibration-thermometer.html

 

[TessGlo]

I'd like to buy one of these down the road.

This is funny bc I was also thinking about getting something better to calibrate. I also just bought a backup temp controller, just so happens the neotherm temp controller is 50% off on dr. foster today ! I thought the probe was getting bit old and it's good to know your replacement schedule. Thank you

 

[ca1ore]

Hmmn, not had temp issues with my apex. Some of my temp probes are more than 5 years old. Maybe check the connector to the brain for corrosion.

 

[Wiskey]

Honestly, the temp probe should be a lifetime item. I have one of the original Aquacontroller Jr from way back, it's probe is still perfectly fine. That probe even works on the new one.

Whiskey

 

[User]

Hmmn, not had temp issues with my apex. Some of my temp probes are more than 5 years old. Maybe check the connector to the brain for corrosion.

That’s ironic, because the temp probe on the lite I got from you died a couple weeks ago and bricked the head unit. I’m having to replace it with a new classic head unit since they don’t have parts for the lite anymore.

 

[Jlentz]

I’ve got a couple that are ~5 years old. I run three of them in my system. l very stable.

Probably not after I hit reply on this though..,

 

[ca1ore]

That’s ironic, because the temp probe on the lite I got from you died a couple weeks ago and bricked the head unit. I’m having to replace it with a new classic head unit since they don’t have parts for the lite anymore.

That’s a bummer. Did they say why a bad probe would kill the head unit? Further irony .... I actually regretted selling it as I ended up buying a JR to run my QT tanks.

 

[User]

That’s a bummer. Did they say why a bad probe would kill the head unit? Further irony .... I actually regretted selling it as I ended up buying a JR to run my QT tanks.

You want it back? It’s running just great. Ignore the post above., I was kidding

They said it was sending bad data and caused some sort of hardware malfunction. Sounds bs to me, but I’m a gene therapist and an endocrinologist, not an EE, so what do I know. A good friend of mine who is an EE said that software/data can cause hardware malfunction if something overheats, so its possible I guess

Bummed mainly because I planned to run conduit extension cords in my fishroom, and need to spend another $300 to get it finished. I’m so glad I wired with backup outlets in addition to the 2 dedicated 20amps for the eb8’s, otherwise I’d be dead in the water

 

[ca1ore]

I have had a few worrisome issues with the 2016 Apex. Enough that though I still value it, I’m making sure that an apex crash cannot cause an actual tank crash. Lots of sensors and alerts, but judicious application of control.