Best way to Control Temperature....??

[cthoughts1]

Hey guys.. So now that I've decided to stay with my tank a bit longer I need some suggestions on what would be the best way to control the temperature of my tank, not just in the winter, but in the summer as well... Currently all I have are a couple of heaters... This past summer I put a couple of fans on and it kept my tank at a decent temperature... However I recently upgraded my lights to 250watt MH and I expect my tank will be getting very hot this summer.. Anyhow I guess my question is, is there anyway to maintain the temperature stable all year round? Maybe an all in one chiller/heater that will regulate the temperature so as to not have it fluctuate so much? Any help, ideas or past experiences with any products would be very helpful.. Pros and Cons of the products you use? Thanks much.

 

[James]

I would suggest a controller. I have the reef keeper lite and I am very happy with it for $100. You could set it to turn on the chiller above a certain temp and turn on the heater below a certain temp, effectively keeping your tank as stable as possible in regards to temp.

hope this helps,
James

 

[cthoughts1]

Saounds great Educator. Where did you purchase it?

 

[bacalao]

You got to get a chiller. I recently came across this link. Maybe you could DYI it? Seems like it would be a lot cheaper.

http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/diychillerplans/ss/sbsdiychiller.htm

Hope this info helps. Let me know if you try it.

 

[cthoughts1]

I ain't that handy bro.. lol.. I heard about chillers with heaters/temp controllers built in.. anyone have any experience with these?

 

[James]

www.saltwatercritters.com They are awesome. Order 1 day, it will be at your door the next day. I highly recommend an RKL from them. It is good because it is upgradable. I am actually buying a module for the RKL that will allow me to check salinity and PH as well as set up a dual float switch ATO on monday.

James

 

[cthoughts1]

Educator, thanks for the info.

 

[artie1209]

2nd on the RKL as a controller.

 

[JonnyJ]

3rd on RKL, got it yesterday and its great. I have fans and heater connected. its perfect.

how much does a probe like that cost educator? fill me in fill me in!

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

A controller with a temp probe and heater. The cooling option is evaporation over expense. The controller will turn the heater on and off as needed as well as the lights if programmed to do so. The Cooling option of a fan is much less expensive to buy and run than a chiller but the evaporation rate is much higher than a chiller.

 

[Bob 1000]

Room temp in conjunction with a controller.. People always forget the room temp is playning a major role..

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Tobin the controller will be guided from the overall temp of the tank wether it is caused by a heating/cooling piece of equipment or the ambient room temperature if I am thinking correctly.

 

[akarusso]

I have a ranco temp controller that controls a heater and a chiller for sale. It a year old. Asking 120$. email me for info [email protected]