Best Temperature Controller with an LED Display?

[Dan F]

I am looking for a temperature controller for my new Classroom Aquarium I am setting up (I teach 4th grade at a small rural K-8). It is important that the controller have a highly visible display, as I want the mechanical part of the tank to be shown off.

So far I have found the Blueline Biotherm, the JBJ True Temp Digital Heater Controller, the Finnex Controller, and the Won Pro. The Blueline seems like it may be the best bet, but I'm not sure if any of these are any good. Has anyone had one (or more) of these and was it any good?

Thanks for any replies!

 

[Grant427]

Got the JBJ on my 400 gallon, awesome heater! It's the 1000W one, never had any issues.

 

[Dan F]

Got the JBJ on my 400 gallon, awesome heater! It's the 1000W one, never had any issues.

400 Gallon - Nice!

How long have you been using the JBJ?

 

[frickr]

what about a PID style controller http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...ers/1-z-32_DIN_Size_(SL4824_Series)/SL4824-RR

they can be locked out so a code has to be entered to change temp, it displays the set temp, and what the temp currantly is. i use a few differant ones of these at work and they are simple to program and setup.

 

[Dan F]

what about a PID style controller http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...ers/1-z-32_DIN_Size_(SL4824_Series)/SL4824-RR

they can be locked out so a code has to be entered to change temp, it displays the set temp, and what the temp currantly is. i use a few differant ones of these at work and they are simple to program and setup.

Those are perfect! Do you know which temperature sensor would be appropriate for aquarium use?

 

[Eli173]

I have 2 800 watts jbj true temp on my 300 they are awesome never have a problem an they r pretty accurate.....


Sent from my iPhone using MonsterAquariaNetwork app

 

[frickr]

either a type j or k will do just fine.

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...le_Sensors/Probes_(with_Lead_Wire_Transition)

these have a few differant probe lengths 6,12,18 inches that can be submerged into water. a type j has a broader temp band, type k isnt as broad for temp but responds quicker. either in this situation will be within range and will work perfectly.

 

[frickr]

you will need to run a relay with this controller also, depending on what size of heater you will be running will determine what size of relay you will need. remember Amps=Watts/Volts. set the controller to On/Off with a degree or 2 hysteresis which is how many degrees the temp will come down before activating the heater again.

 

[Dan F]

you will need to run a relay with this controller also, depending on what size of heater you will be running will determine what size of relay you will need. remember Amps=Watts/Volts. set the controller to On/Off with a degree or 2 hysteresis which is how many degrees the temp will come down before activating the heater again.

Oh, that is a bit inconvenient but not terribly so. It seemed like they listed several different outputs including "relay" and "linear". I was hoping that "linear" was the same as a "line-voltage" thermostat that puts out the same voltage (110V) that you hook it up to. I am only going to be running 400W of heaters (~4A). It looks like wiring this thing could be a science project in and of itself...