Looking for a good heater and controller.
- Thread starter Dominic M
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Apex is not better than a Ranco. The temp probes are not as reliable and the units are more buggy, need updating, have outlets that have failed "on," cost more and otherwise introduce more points of failure into the process. Companies with massive amounts of dollars in inventory rely on Ranco (and the like).
I do not have an Apex, but even if I did, I would still use a Ranco for heaters.
I do not have an Apex, but even if I did, I would still use a Ranco for heaters.
KStatefan
2500 Club Member
You can purchase one prewired also
Ranco ETC-111000-000 Prewired Digital Temperature Controller
Heres what i use. Never seen my tank drift a degree off setpoint and i double check with an NIST thermometer every time i test parameters.
Always within .5 degrees of eachother and the NIST temp probe.
Bought a few as backup.
Been running about 1.5yrs no issues.
Each heater has its own controller. I use 2 small heaters so if one sticks on it wont cook my tank...even on a 100 degree day lol. Ive tested it. 2 barely cut it. Thinking of adding a 3rd inside tank and setting it 2degrees lower as a low temp failsafe.
Always within .5 degrees of eachother and the NIST temp probe.
Bought a few as backup.
Been running about 1.5yrs no issues.
Each heater has its own controller. I use 2 small heaters so if one sticks on it wont cook my tank...even on a 100 degree day lol. Ive tested it. 2 barely cut it. Thinking of adding a 3rd inside tank and setting it 2degrees lower as a low temp failsafe.
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Titanium heater along with an inkbird controller will serve you well
You can order the heat shrink tubing here... the shipping is cheap too!
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I have my heater 'probe' in the part of the sump where the water flows in - to avoid cords. I use a Finnex heater - which has a pretty good controller - and use an apex - as a backup. The heater is set at 78 - if the temp goes above 80 - the Apex (should) - shut it off. Hope this helps
chiefifd
Active Member
Thanks for all the information and other options besides the Ranco. The Ranco controller is out of stock where the shrink tubing is. I've seen the Ranco controller at other on-line dealers, but not the PVC shrink tubing. The other PVC shrink tubing I've seen says water-resistant, not proof. So, I might wait for the Ranco controller to get back in stock and at ETC Supply with the PVC tubing. I'm leaning on getting the heaters off my Apex and on to a more robust controller.
Has anyone tried to use silicone sealant to water-proof the Ranco temperature probe?
Has anyone tried to use silicone sealant to water-proof the Ranco temperature probe?
There is a wired AquaLogic controller in the for-sale equipment section. This is a rebranded Ranco.
If you’re handy, you can save yourself a few bucks and get the Ranco from Amazon, the heatshrink tubing from ETC Supply and wire it yourself. It’s actually quite straightforward.
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