[cheefunk]

Just recently my Hydor ETH heater thermostat went out and I got lucky because it just wouldn't turn on, opposed to being stuck on and and cooking my tank. I always keep a spare stealth heater handy in case of an emergency, which I'm using now. I do plan to replace my Hydor ETH because it has worked flawlessly for several years until now and I just like to keep equipment out of my tank if possible.

I'm toying with the idea of purchasing a temperature controller but I'm having a hard time finding reviews. I like the idea of having an external thermostat to have better and more accurate temperature control. Also, having two thermostats (one on the temperature controller and the other on the heater) seems like an extra level of safety.

Has anyone used any of these?

JBJ
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+21333&pcatid=21333

BlueLine Biotherm
http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=21402&cat=1119&page=1

Finnex
http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=31413&cat=1486&page=1

Azoo
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+22586&pcatid=22586

 

[zdnet]

You can use the Ranco ETC-111000 to control a heater or a cooler. But you will have to wire it yourself.

 

[bsmith]

Depending on how hi tech your system is you could get a Digital Aquatics Reef Keper Lite. I have one on my 37g and it great! I am using it to control 2 banks of lighting, my co2 solenoid and my heater. There is a heater probe and you can connect it to correlate with the outlet for your heater so that if the temp reaches a certian temp it will kill that outlet.

 

[RandomMan]

I'm using something I purchased off of eBay, let me see if I can link:
http://tinyurl.com/3fohu5h

If not, eBay search for 110v aquarium thermostat.

$20 + 2 x $2 extension cords to do the wiring. You can set it to heat or cool modes, I use it to run a fan, and when winter comes around I'll switch it to heating. Its not that difficult to do the wiring yourself.

 

[cheefunk]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

I found this product that allows you to monitor and control pretty much everything on your aquarium via the internet on your iPhone or iPad. I'm seriously considering it because I'm away from home a lot. Anyone use this? If so, what do you think of it?

http://www.neptunesys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=62&Itemid=40

 

[timelessr1]

I was recently in the same boat as you. I was going between a Digital Aquatics (RKL) unit and the Neptune apex units. The Apex units def have more features packed into them, but you pay for that! I ended up picking up a ReefKeeper Lite basic package for $100, and added an extra PC4 (4 outlets) It works awesome! If i ever have the need it to communicate to the web, i could always pick up their Net module. But the two top companies for controls are Neptune and Digital A