temperature controller w/ less than 1 degree precision

Timfish

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Bayite BC201 has 0.1 F control. I use a little bit of silicone and airline tubing to seal the temp probe. I've also stolen plastic sealed temp probes off cheap tempeture displays to replace failed probes.

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The0wn4g3

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What about the Bayite? What is the advantage of buying the STC-1000 and all the separate components to assemble it when the Bayite comes assembled? Does the STC-1000 have additional functionality, accuracy or dependability?

Amazon product


I went with the component and DIY route because I had such a bad experience with Inkbird. I 100% know my wiring is good, I know my probe specs, and if the controller dies I can throw in a new one. I assume a lot of those Amazon products see very little in terms of QC.

Generally, putting two controllers in-line is not a good idea. If you set them at the same temp they will most likely fight each other, and setting one higher to function as a safety I think you'd be better served wiring a temperature switch to a separate probe, no need for a whole controller.

Do you want the dual control for a fan or chiller?
 

fuelman

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The replaceable temp probe from the inkbird works perfectly on the bayite. plug & play. I have 6 of them going right now I cross checked them with both units and a thermometer & also the apex probe on the main DT. It's dead on.
 

blackstallion

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I went with the component and DIY route because I had such a bad experience with Inkbird. I 100% know my wiring is good, I know my probe specs, and if the controller dies I can throw in a new one. I assume a lot of those Amazon products see very little in terms of QC.

Generally, putting two controllers in-line is not a good idea. If you set them at the same temp they will most likely fight each other, and setting one higher to function as a safety I think you'd be better served wiring a temperature switch to a separate probe, no need for a whole controller.

Do you want the dual control for a fan or chiller?
Cooling function will be for fans.
 

BZOFIQ

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Aqualogic takes Ranco controller and encapsulates their probe in a piece of titanium tube filled with epoxy.

Very reliable controllers.
 

blackstallion

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The replaceable temp probe from the inkbird works perfectly on the bayite. plug & play. I have 6 of them going right now I cross checked them with both units and a thermometer & also the apex probe on the main DT. It's dead on.
Is the Inkbird temp probe sealed? Can you provide a link, can't seem to find it.
 

fuelman

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robbyg

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Is there a unit from Ranco that can control both heating and chilling on one unit?
Yes there is a Ranco version that Aqua Logic sells. I have been using it and it is very reliable and built like a Tank. It can only do 1 deg deltas at the minimum. I don't know of any that do .1 and IMHO that might not be desirable as your chiller or heater may be going on and off every minute.

Screenshot_2020-07-25 Accessories.png


Link: Aqua Logic Controllers for SW Aquariums
 
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laverda

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Why! Why would you want or need to keep the temperature that consistent. The ocean varies way more that that from one moment to the next. To the point you can feel the temp change as your swimming. The only thing you are going to accomplish controlling the temp so tightly is run up your electric bill. Heating or cooling will be on Almost constantly. Monitor and see your results. If any thing when you have a power outage and the temp swings either way it will be more likely to cause a problem as your animals will not be used to any variation. 3 degree daily swings are easily handled and many things do better with larger swings. Seasonal.temperature changes can be significant and are kown to trigger spawning events. The temps can vary wildly in shallow reef areas. We should be striving to achieve as natural an environment as possible for our corals and fish. There is just no reason to go to this extreme.
 

laverda

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I seeabunch of people here commenting about their Inkbirds failing. I have never owned one myself, but I suspect one reason some people are having so many failures if setting them to just 0.1 degree variations. Like any switch the more you use it the more likely it is going to fail. If you set it up to allow a variation of say 3 degrees. You heater or chiller may only switch on and off a few times a day. I know my fans typically only switch on and off 1-2 times a day. If I set them to try and control my tank to with in 0.1 degrees they would be switching on and off hundreds or possibly a thousand times a day. This would greatly reduce the life exptancy of the controller and the equipment it is controlling. It would also be super sensitive to where the temp probe is placed.
 

KStatefan

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Yes there is a Ranco version that Aqua Logic sells. I have been using it and it is very reliable and built like a Tank. It can only do 1 deg deltas at the minimum. I don't know of any that do .1 and IMHO that might not be desirable as your chiller or heater may be going on and off every minute.

The Ranco ETC-211000 also can.


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MikeTheNewbie

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Heat Shrink is an option (see link below). I coated my stainless steel probe with clear 100% silicon. It has held up well for the last few months. Just put some on my finger and spread an even coat all over the probe, let dry for 48 hours, and put it in the tank.

I think that the shrink tube would diminish the precision of the controller.
This would depend on the thickness of the material and the thermal properties but in one way or another I'm positive that it would affect the function of the controller.
I wonder what would be the point of getting a more precise controller if the probe will be made less sensitive by adding a layer of isolation?
It would be interesting to see a comparison with and without the shrink tube.
 
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SeeFu

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bayiote made a saltwater proof sensor. i just usse that now.
 

Karliefish

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Karliefish

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Get rid of the Inkbird and get a Ranco, you won't regret it. Be sure to apply heat shrink to the probe for use in saltwater, instructions are on the Ranco website. Or, if you're DIY savvy, you can use an STC-1000. I went this route and see about a 0.2 degree celcius swing in a 24 hour period.

T which model # ranco are you using?
 

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