Random Inkbird issues???/

southerntnreefer · Dec 15, 2018

Ah I wasn't sure if that was pre wired. I'll give it another look after the holidays. Seems fine in fresh water but not salt...

code4 · Dec 17, 2018

I have 4 inkbirds. I have had issues with them when I was first using them. Operator error since now they are all working fine. Had them over 2 years. A backup way for checking is a good idea though with all tanks. I feel my glass every day. While not scientific I think I would notice it it was really off.

Shelley

Neo Jeo · Dec 17, 2018

This makes me worried about my InkBird... maybe I’ll use mine on my saltwater changing station and get the better one.

I have a strange feeling that my tank will crash due to a failing heater.. it’s just in my gut.

southerntnreefer · Dec 18, 2018

Company wants me to clip off the probe and attach a new one with electrical tape... Not sure how im supposed to keep it from leaking voltage after that..

Mpierce · Dec 18, 2018

With the inexpensive temp controllers I think it is always best to seal the probe with shrink tube / silicone.

southerntnreefer · Dec 18, 2018

Like just dip it in the same silicone that i used to build my sump?

Mpierce · Dec 19, 2018

southerntnreefer said:
Like just dip it in the same silicone that i used to build my sump?

Yup, nice thick layer to seal it all up. Then I take a piece of shrink wrap and put it over that and fill the ends with silicone to really make sure it is waterproof, but that might be overkill....

southerntnreefer · Dec 19, 2018

WoekoWo with the company now .they apparently have a new version designed for aquariums... They are shipping it to me at no cost.

southerntnreefer · Dec 19, 2018

Further update. THe company is sending their new model with a rubberized probe that was designed for aquariums. Doesnt have the cooling side, but is meant for what we do. Ill be glad to try this for them for sure. I wasnt getting anywhere with tech support, so i left a rather angry review, which got me in touch with the rep that deals with amazon and Inkbird. they are shipping me a new one no questions asked.

Neo Jeo · Dec 19, 2018

I decided to use my inkbird in my fresh saltwater mixing station.

This is what I will be ordering:

Ranco ETC-111000-000 Prewired Digital Temperature Controller
Wire Guage (Singe Stage): 16 Guage - Standard With Power Strip (13 Amps/1500 Watts) [+$6.00]
Install PVC Heat Shrink On Sensor: 2 Foot [+$3.00]

It's going to cost me around $98.. Expensive but I think long term it will be worth it.

Im going to ask them to make the extension cord 3ft. because the picture looks way to large.

southerntnreefer · Dec 19, 2018

let me know how that goes! Im going to use the one they send, but also have a second backup set in there in case of failure. The rubberized or updated probe seems to solve that issue, so we will see.

INKBIRD_official · Mar 4, 2019

southerntnreefer said:
SO got home last night, and found a clown dead in the 125. Test water, and PH 8.2 Ammonia, 0 Nitrite 0, and Nitrate 10, so it was not a issue with the water quality. Wrasses, cant be found, and appear to be hiding... SO i feed, and hawkish eats a bit but doesn't move much, so im racking my brain. Start doing some looking. Somehow, my Inkbird has kicked on my cooling fans, and i look at my set temp of 78, and it says its 79.3 in the tank... so i stick my hand in to test. There is no way in the world its that i think. water feels colder than usual, so i check my titanium heaters. i dont feel any voltage at that point, so i unplug the heaters, and do some more testing. The temp appears to be still rising, so i bypass the ink bird and throw some extra glass heaters in the sump that i have to get me by until i figure out next steps.

Anyone else have any trouble or ideas if its bad, or if its just really off calibration randomly? I mean my tank maybe was 60 or 65, and it said 79.3. thankfully i caught it when i got home from work, but i lost a flame angel., and a maroon clown in the process

There may be something wrong with the probe

Hemmdog · Mar 4, 2019

Neo Jeo said:
I decided to use my inkbird in my fresh saltwater mixing station.

This is what I will be ordering:

Ranco ETC-111000-000 Prewired Digital Temperature Controller
Wire Guage (Singe Stage): 16 Guage - Standard With Power Strip (13 Amps/1500 Watts) [+$6.00]
Install PVC Heat Shrink On Sensor: 2 Foot [+$3.00]

It's going to cost me around $98.. Expensive but I think long term it will be worth it.

Im going to ask them to make the extension cord 3ft. because the picture looks way to large.

Did you get it? I’m considering ordering. How does that one work if you have multiple heaters? I only see one plug.

Neo Jeo · Mar 4, 2019

Hemmdog said:
Did you get it? I’m considering ordering. How does that one work if you have multiple heaters? I only see one plug.

Hey,

I did get it. Seems like a well built unit. I bought a splitter on amazon that turns 1 cord into 2. Like a Y. I set it to turn off my heaters if it hits 80. I use NeoTherm heaters. They are .5 accurate with there internal thermostat. The best on the market. I use the controller just if one stays on. It has happened and they sent me a new heater as they come with a 3 year warranty.