Thermometers, where is the best location???

[treedog5]

I am having issues getting a true reading for my tank temperature, so I thought I would ask where the overwhelming majority of people are placing their thermometer?
I bought 3 different digital thermometers and tested them all at 3 different location in my system ( overflow-sump- display ) and they all gave me different readings. Granted 2 where 1 to 2 degrees different I found it strange that none where almost close to exact.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

I have one in my refugium right after my two heaters (200 watt and 150 watt) and one in my display. The Refugium thermometer is 0-.5 degrees higher than display.

Where is your heater located? Size? Size of your tank?

 

[treedog5]

My tank is a 50cube with a 16 gallon sump. I currently have my thermometer and heater in my sump. My thoughts were that the return pump and the heater would make the reading higher but I get about the same reading in the overflow box also.

 

[mcarroll]

I am having issues getting a true reading for my tank temperature, so I thought I would ask where the overwhelming majority of people are placing their thermometer?
I bought 3 different digital thermometers and tested them all at 3 different location in my system ( overflow-sump- display ) and they all gave me different readings. Granted 2 where 1 to 2 degrees different I found it strange that none where almost close to exact.

The tank with the temperature you care about is the one with all the animals. ;)

Individual thermometers can vary...put them all in the same location and compare to see if that's the case.

 

[Joey waid]

I agree the tank is all that matters.

 

[cromag27 Verified Sponsor]

I run two heaters (rated less than what's required for my tank) and I keep them in the sump. but they're controlled by an apex and I have a temp probe in my dt.

 

[treedog5]

Thanks for the input guys, I placed 3 thermometers into my overflow and this was the readings ( 74.2-78.6-80.1). So I went with the average and assumed my true temp is about 77. Right now I have them placed in the sump and get about the same numbers, I will move them back to the overflow just to be safe.