Digital Vs Lcd Thermometers

[LostInTheArk]

I'm not sure this is in the right place but its hardware sort of.

So having my tank less than 24 hours my mum has managed to break my thermometer. I had placed it slightly too high so the marina bit was above the water level. Which I know wasn't ideal but she came and just ripped it off. Now I know you need to be careful with LCD because it will break.

So while looking for another, I came across digital ones. Which would be better to use digital or LCD ?

thanks in advance
LostInTheArk

 

[StandbySetting]

Both digital and LCD at hobby grade are terrible, go for an alcohol thermometer.

 

[LostInTheArk]

Thanks, was going to order one online but delivery charges are extortionate might see what the local fish shop has.

LostInTheArk

 

[ZoddyZod]

Both digital and LCD at hobby grade are terrible, go for an alcohol thermometer.

agree with you on LCDs - thermochromic inks have a VERY wide tolerance range and can therefore be completely inacurate.

However - with digital you can get accurate ones, the issue is trusting them without first calibrating them against a known standard (alcohol or magnesium).

I used two magnesium thermometers to check my £1 eBay digital, and it was spot on. They are also a less 'invasive' item to have in the tank and therefore better aesthetically in my opinion.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Zodd can you link the seller, might help people get one if you say there fairly accurate

 

[ZoddyZod]

Zodd can you link the seller, might help people get one if you say there fairly accurate

sadly I got it two years ago so don't have the details anymore. But it is almost identical to this one....

http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Digital-LCD-Fish-Aquarium-Tank-Water-Thermometer-UK-/220638408696?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item335f12eff8

 

[StandbySetting]

They need regular calibration to remain accurate and precise, which is why I dislike them, whereas with a small alcohol thermometer you never have to do that, there are some very nice alcohol thermometers for sale now-a-days, ADA do some very nice thermometers, but they're expensive, there are some very discreet and small alcohol thermometers for sale on ebay too, for a good price. Digital thermometers are a waste of electricity too.

 

[Geoff-]

cheap LCD thermometers can develop faults with moisture ingress and go off.

alcohol thermometers are sealed units, less likely to go bad, cost about $2 and are plenty accurate unless you have uber sensitive fish and in that case you should get one of the premium "high accuracy" ones.

changing batteries etc waste of time. digital colour-changing thermometer on the outside of the tank inaccurate and waste of time.