I have been reading and the temp controller of choice seem to be the Ranco controllers, my question is if I wanted several heaters in the same controller. I believe I am understanding people just cut the single plug and wire in a bigger power cord with more outlets, as long as the combined watts don't exceed what the controller is set for? I have been looking for several plug controllers but not wanting to spend a fortune as I need several temp controllers for multiple tanks. I am just trying ton understand if this is the correct way to go about it. Thanks in advance for any and all info!
Temp Controller?
- Thread starter TexOscar1
- Start date
Jehmco sells prewired Ranco Temp Controllers with dual receptacles.
I purchase one with dual receptacles and I have a power strip plugged into each receptacle on the Ranco and I have 3 300W Eheim heaters plugged into the power strips. I've had this setup running for 5 years with zero issues. It's worked great for me.
I purchase one with dual receptacles and I have a power strip plugged into each receptacle on the Ranco and I have 3 300W Eheim heaters plugged into the power strips. I've had this setup running for 5 years with zero issues. It's worked great for me.
You can get the pre-wired and just plug a power strip into them or you can do it yourself.. wiring it up is very easy .. YouTube has videos on how to do it with step by step instructions . I did it myself, just cut the extension cord in 2 pieces, length of each side will vary depending on where your outlet is and where you are running your heaters. For me I cut the male side at about 4 feet since my controller is right above my outlet and the female side which I plugged a power strip into is outside in my filter housing. I also have 3 300 watt heaters plugged into mine
Yep, the InkBird 308 is about $30-35. It is the controller of choice over on SimplyDiscus. It has heating and cooling abilities and has programmable high and low alarms.
I have one and although I haven't hooked it up yet, I did plug it in and test out the programming of it. It is very easy to program using the instructions provided.
It already has outlets for cooling and heating wired in. You will just need a splitter of some sort to allow multiple heaters to be used. It is rated for 1000W total.
I've not used the Inkbird, but I like the lit LED temp display and capable of 1000w.
I'm using the Ranco as well. I've had to replace the temp probe in under a year as I started to get sporadic readings, even with the recommended heat shrink. The new probe I connected looked to be made of a different material and has been good for over a year so far...knock...knock. I bought it with dual lit receptacles and extension cord length I wanted. But, yes, it's a diy if you want connect yourself.
Side note, last summer took kids to the local aquarium. As I sat around while my kids were at the touch display, I happened to look underneath the display cabinet and nice to see they were sportin' a Ranco too ;-)
I'm using the Ranco as well. I've had to replace the temp probe in under a year as I started to get sporadic readings, even with the recommended heat shrink. The new probe I connected looked to be made of a different material and has been good for over a year so far...knock...knock. I bought it with dual lit receptacles and extension cord length I wanted. But, yes, it's a diy if you want connect yourself.
Side note, last summer took kids to the local aquarium. As I sat around while my kids were at the touch display, I happened to look underneath the display cabinet and nice to see they were sportin' a Ranco too ;-)