Has anyone ever tried using a seedling mat thermostat controller?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Hey Red_Man sounds good to me. I haven't had extra funds to throw at trying one out yet with all my other projects going on. Please let me know how it works! Seem's like a wicked deal for a heater controller if it works for aquariums too!
 
Hello again! I ended up purchasing this one to try out.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B016L7J2A4?psc=1

In short it works. But not well. The temp processor has a glitch. The temp will say 80 then jump up/down a degree. It was easily set up and used with three 300w heaters connected to it. The processor glitch will make your heaters turn on and off in rapid succession. I figured this would cause my heaters to burn out prematurely going on and off 100+ times a day so I no longer have heaters connected to it but still use it as an easy to read tank temp display. Plan to try others and see what the results are.
 
I also located a relatively inexpensive one marketed for fish:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23735

I also found that as well but if you look at the specs it only works in degrees C. Not a bad price at all but I don't care to need a math equation to take care of my fish.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...D=JKNCQ4MEJ6E2NTD5RXS0&ref_=pd_lutyp_simh_2_1

This one is a decent price, reads in both degrees F and C, and is still half price compared to some of the other temp controllers talked about on the forum. I purchased it today and will have it tomorrow. Will report my results in a week or two.
 
Ha! If you look at the pics on Amazon... One of the pics shows the spec sticker and the amp rating IS 8.3A!!! Nice work! I will be purchasing one to try out. Was just about to pull the trigger on a jbj unit myself. So pricey. I wonder if we where to just silicone the probe wire say six inches from the metal probe if it would keep it safe.

Here's one that's actually designed for aquarium use and the same price.
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-heaters/finnex-hc-0800-heater-controller.html
I've been running this one for 2.5years now; operating two Aqueon Pros 250W and a Jager 300W
 
xraycer xraycer
Way to find this thread now! lol
Glad to hear you found a cheaper controller and are having good results! I personally like a digital display and the one I just ordered can handle 1200W! The specs on the one you posted states that it keeps your set temp +/- 2 degrees. In your results have you found that to be accurate or better? Since I have a few extra bucks laying around I'm just trying other equipment to "test" and let other members know if I find cheaper solutions that are functional. What can I say. I have time to kill. :D Ultimately I will be purchasing the JBJ temp controller and titanium heating elements.
 
xraycer xraycer
Way to find this thread now! lol
Glad to hear you found a cheaper controller and are having good results! I personally like a digital display and the one I just ordered can handle 1200W! The specs on the one you posted states that it keeps your set temp +/- 2 degrees. In your results have you found that to be accurate or better? Since I have a few extra bucks laying around I'm just trying other equipment to "test" and let other members know if I find cheaper solutions that are functional. What can I say. I have time to kill. :D Ultimately I will be purchasing the JBJ temp controller and titanium heating elements.
Sorry Man, I'm not a psychic! lol
The unit have had 0 issues and temps have been solid. My glass thermometer always at the 78 mark. This unit is on my 180 which is in an unheated basement where winter temps gets into the low 50s
 
xraycer xraycer
Sweet! Maybe if this one turns out to be a flop too I'll just go with the one you posted. Hopefully their quality control hasn't taken a dive. ;)

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+25144&pcatid=25144

I was looking into these as BRS TV did a review on them and the results where awesome. Also the King of DIY recommends them as well. Click to 4:38 if you don't care for the salty overview.

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I also found that as well but if you look at the specs it only works in degrees C. Not a bad price at all but I don't care to need a math equation to take care of my fish.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015FKG4CC?dpID=41rIw9J-mZL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_SL500_SR160,160_&refRID=JKNCQ4MEJ6E2NTD5RXS0&ref_=pd_lutyp_simh_2_1

This one is a decent price, reads in both degrees F and C, and is still half price compared to some of the other temp controllers talked about on the forum. I purchased it today and will have it tomorrow. Will report my results in a week or two.
Yeah I can agree with that, the Celsius is not my preferred measurement. I am a little too american I suppose. Just like when people say their aquarium is XYZ liters or XX centimeters... I'm like... Now I have to google a calculator... to get a clear picture of this. ha
 
Here's one that's actually designed for aquarium use and the same price.
http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-heaters/finnex-hc-0800-heater-controller.html
I've been running this one for 2.5years now; operating two Aqueon Pros 250W and a Jager 300W
Problem with that one is I always seen this message every time I tried to purchase:
The product: Finnex HC-0800 Heater Controller item is currently out of stock. If you would like us to email you when it is back in stock, send along your email address...

Otherwise I'd agree 100% :)
 
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