Just wondering... on setting up new heaters

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

I have never had a heater that has been bang on accurate, thinking about trying a digital heater.

But 4-5 degrees out?

FYI, I set them up by setting to lowest, turning up slowly until light turns on. This will increase temp slightly, but that is OK. If I wanted to setup at lower temp to thermometer, I set to highest point, then turn slowly until light turns off.

[globaldesigns]

K, doing some googling and seeing this is quite common. People are saying the older models were better calibrated, but these are still suppose to be the best for not exploding. This true?

Maybe I should look for a controller... any affordable ones out there?

[marie]

I have glass tops and metal halide lights on my tank and haven't needed a heater (or a chiller) since I set it up last may......temp stays between 79-82

[lastlight]

I'd never trust the built in thermostats. I use a ranco controller but even those are more than $100.

[The Grizz]

Had a few brand new heater that would never shut off & a few that where out by more then 5*. Thinking of trying the Oddyesea Digital or the Fluval E series digital to see if there any better.

[ChefFish]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

Had a few brand new heater that would never shut off & a few that where out by more then 5*. Thinking of trying the Oddyesea Digital or the Fluval E series digital to see if there any better.

I have 2 of the E300's and love them. I haven't had a problem yet and the one in my main tank is only 0.5 different from my thermometer (digital as well).

[gregzz4]

I pre-set/calibrate all my Eheim heaters in a bucket with a trusted thermometer and a powerhead
I set them to 81F just in case the controller leaves them on for some stupid reason, and I set my controller for 79F so the heaters will always come on

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by lastlight

I'd never trust the built in thermostats. I use a ranco controller but even those are more than $100.

Where can I get one of these. Are they strictly for temp, with temp probe? $100 or so isn't bad.

[FitoPharmer]

I think you were reffering to these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RANCO-ETC-11...-/200708519091

[lastlight]

Originally Posted by FitoPharmer

I think you were reffering to these?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RANCO-ETC-11...-/200708519091

I have a dual stage so it can power a chiller or fans if it gets too hot.