Temperature control

[Anonymous]

I have a problem

My tank runs at 73 degrees (room temp) with no heater, no pumps, no light.

With Pumps and light it runs at 82-84

I have a heater in there set at 78

I added a fan to cool it, this works fine in the summer, it keeps the temp between 78 and 80

The problem is the fan cools it too much in the winter, It overcomes the heater, this morning it was 75 in the tank. The heater is running, I turned off the fan, and the temp is rising nicely

My question is this

What is the best way to turn the fan on and off automatically, a probe in the water or a probe in the air in the sump cabinet (completely enclosed)

While we are at it, are there any good brands of temp controllers you recommend?

Thanks

Bryan

 

[Anonymous]

How about a cheaper alternative of a cheap-old $10 appliance timer? Just turn the fan on when the light comes on.

But if you insist on a temperature controller, I have good experience with AquaC's and JohnsonControl as well as HoneyWell.

 

[ChrisRD]

I use an appliance timer as ck suggested, but FWIW, here's a link to a controller that would work - best price I have seen for this unit:

http://www.diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=38

 

[Anonymous]

The Problem with using an appliance timer is that the lights are not adding hardly any heat, they are just flourescents.

What causes the Temperature swing is the temp of the air outside the house, its uninsulated and the wind just howls through here. Its hard to keep it warm in here, Also I think that with the heat running in here all the time, the air gets drier and more water evapotates.

Thanks for the link

Bryan

 

[leftovers]

what temp does the tank run in winter when no fan running?
Then see if you need to run it all
Or set it to run on/off via digital timer for two hours at a time or as infrequent as required to maintain the temp u seek.
btw 75 is just fine for a winter low...

 

[Mekinnik]

What size is your tank and also heater, you might want to switch to a heater with more wattage.

 

[Anonymous]

I really don't want to switch to a bigger heater

Its a 55 gal tank

I have found a controller for 65$

I think I am gonna make one from some old parts I have laying around. I will post some pics of it when Its finished, (in a couple months)

Bryan

 

[ChrisRD]

I have found a controller for 65$

Single stage or dual? Got a link?

 

[Anonymous]

It was single stage,

http://www.automatedaquariums.com/ranco.htm

Here its 75

I am pretty sure I saw it for 65 though

All I need though is some kind of a theromstat, a relay and a soldering gun and I should be set

Of course, the ice cap fans now come with a temperature controller built in, that would surely be easier

Bryan

 

[Quigonsean]

What's wrong with 75 degrees that where I keep mine at. It also seems to be the most recomended temp in books. They always say 70-82 degrees with 75 being the optimal. Well at least in Fenner's book, Tulluck's book, and the new Paletta book.

Sean

 

[ChrisRD]

It was single stage

I am pretty sure I saw it for 65 though

Ah, OK - the one I linked you to was a dual stage which could control both your heater and fan(s).

There's a single stage on that same site for $65 - might be the one you're thinking of...

http://www.diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=37