Anyone Use A Ranco Temperature Controller?

[kj23502]

I think I might get one....just wondering what your thoughts are

Thanks,

Kj

 

[Tolak]

I ran one all summer & well into fall on an outdoor 150 gallon tub. It held temperature with a 1,000w heater with no problem.

They are water resistant, not waterproof. I had it mounted on a pedestal, with a ziplock container around it. The keys would function through the lid without opening.

It's spending the winter in the garage, along with the empty tub. I don't foresee any problems with it come spring.

 

[kj23502]

I asked about controlling temperature with my lrc. I've read about a few heaters getting stuck on and frying whole tanks. Thought there must be a way to control w/out changing heaters every couple years. A simple controller is about $100, but with the amount of livestock in my saltwater tank I feel that it will more than earn its keep

Anyone else use them?

Thanks Tolak,

Kj

 

[Tolak]

$75 pre-wired; http/www.jehmco.com/html/temperature_controller.html

The 1kw heater I have is a plain commercial bucket heater used in agriculture. No thermostat built in. I had that setup running from below freezing in the spring into fall when it was below freezing. The controller runs in sub-freezing temps without a hitch, the on/off spread is a nice function if you want to have a temperature variance, which you probably don't want with marine, but is nice for breeding fresh water fish.

 

[SkiFletch]

Ranco controllers are awesome kj, I'd totally reccomend one. I don't personally employ one, I go for a different strategy for heaters. A bunch of folks in my reef club use them and they're definitely a great investement.

Personally, I just replace my heaters every 2 years and re-sell the old amongst my reef club. Keeps me with a new one that won't fry on me