Temperature activated switch

[6stokes]

Does anyone know if some sort of temp activated switch exists? I would like to control my canopy fans this way instead of a timer.

 

[bang guy]

There are various controllers on the market. IceCap makes a $$ fan that is temp activated. To start I'd just plug it into the same timer as the lights and see if that works out for you.

 

[6stokes]

I currently have them on a timer, but depending on the time of year I may have to run them 24 hrs a day or only with the lights. Maybe I should have been more clear. I would like something that senses water temperature, not the ambient canopy temperature. That way I don't have to worry about too much temperature fluctuation if I'm not able to check the tank a coulpe times a day, or when being out of town.
Is there anything like that in the market?

 

[pyro]

hmmmmm.... sounds pricey

. I'm curious - sounds like a good idea, never thought of it before :thinking:

 

[bang guy]

Yep, there are controllers that will turn on or off equipment based on water temp. A lot of people use them for backup on their heaters but wiring a fan would also work.

 

[6stokes]

Great, any preference as to a brand or dealer? I'm pretty handy, so something that only controls one switch would work. I can wire in a relay if there are voltage differences.

 

[daveb]

Yes, there are controllers that read the temp of the tank and are designed to turn on heaters and chillers, depending on what your settings are asking for.. You can have them turn the heaters and fans on and off, instead of a chiller....
The cost in in the area of $120 to $175.00...
I have been thinking of doing the same thing, because I am having a little trouble getting my temp as stable now that I have added the metal halides.... Instead of a constant 82 degrees, I have been fluctuating from 81.5 to 82.7....
Not sure yet if I am anxious to spend that much over that sort of variation in temp..
Dave

 

[6stokes]

Wow Dave, I wish my temperature variation was a small as yours. I'm fluctuating between 75 and 78 degrees over a 24 hour period!:scared:

 

[6stokes]

Okay, if anybody is interested I just found probably the most least expensive way to do this. Instead of the controllers designed specifically for aquarium use, there's an electronic temp. control that can be purchased at Johnstone Supply for less than $60.00. Model #L38-382.

 

[pyro]

Sure it's saltwater proof?

 

[dskidmore]

For a bit more ($219), there's the Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper - Aquarium Controller, which can also handle timing and wavingmaking. https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...hreadid=142209

 

[6stokes]

That's quite a bit more. No, I'm not sure it's salt water proof yet. Actually, I'm not concerned with it being salt water proof as much as I am about what the temperature probe is made out of. I did find it though on another web site where someone is actually using it in their tank. There's a lot of information out there on DIY projects. It'll be a couple of weeks before I go to purchase it. If it passes the test, I'll get back to everyone.