3 Thermometers - 3 different Temps

[TheOtherGuy]

Can u believe it? I have 3 and all 3 say a different temp in my tank.

One digital and the floating mercury thermometer are close but not the same.

So my tank is either 76,77 or 78.5 right now. I need one more thermometer to break the tie. Today I will add the "On the glass" thermometer.

[Bill S]

Mark,

Aquarium thermometers have ALWAYS been this way! We used to open a box of floaters straight from the mfg, and you would get a varience of +/- 5 degrees! Our advice was, look at 10, when you find 3 within a degree of each other, buy one of those.

[TheOtherGuy]

Yep I agree Bill.

I think we need a special MAAST Thermo Squad. Perhaps 50 people who just travel around and check tank temps.

This technology is just way too complicated to get an accurate measurement. Perhaps in another 50 years? LOL

[DaneDodger]

I've got digital that came with my titanium heater and 3 stick ons as kinda backup/confirmation. I don't know about anyone else but I can't get a very accurate reading off the stickons, just a general idea of where the temp is at, so I don't know if that's going to effectively break your tie?

[TheOtherGuy]

Like Bill said. I need 10 to 20 thermometers and then pick the 3 that are closest together.

Kind of good news I suppose. I sell a tank and then I say "Oh yeah you need 20 thermometers - Let me get those for you". LOL.

I think if your tank runs somewhere between 77-79 you are good. It just becomes important or critical when your tank is at either extreme range high or low. Then it is nice to know if the tank is in the real danger zone or just getting close. Since, this is S. Texas we are more worried about the high side. That is, is it at 82, 83 or 84.5. Then it is important to know as what the next reactionary steps need to be completed. At 82 concern but, not worried. At 83, better cool the tank down by adding a fan or lowering A/C. At 84.5 - Danger Will Robinson! Kill the lights, more fans, crank down AC, BUY A CHILLER!

[DaneDodger]

It just becomes important or critical when your tank is at either extreme range high or low.
Or if the temp is constantly fluctuating more than a degree or two. I've always been told that it's better to have readings on anything in a tank that are maybe a smidge off perfection but steady than rapid fluctuations trying to hit that perfect mark.

[TheOtherGuy]

Yes u correct and I agree! Reef tanks do not like quick changes of any kind. Temp, pH, etc. If temp changes slowly that is better than a rapid change. I do also say though if you are at an extreme say 82 or 83 or higher then problems can happen especially for SPS and of course reduced O2 levels too.

[TheOtherGuy]

Oh Dane.

I see you are new here. Welcome to MAAST! And Howdy!

[DaneDodger]

I do also say though if you are at an extreme say 82 or 83 or higher then problems can happen especially for SPS and of course reduced O2 levels too.
And I completely agree with you too :D That would be just as disasterous as quick changes. I think I should've said that I agree, as long as it's within 77-79 degrees and not fluctuating he should be safe.
Thanks for the welcome!!

[ratboy]

Like Bill said. I need 10 to 20 thermometers and then pick the 3 that are closest together.

Actually that would give you thermometers that have good precision (for that lot) but arent necessarily accurate! At a lab I worked in I picked up a NIST thermometer that they didnt want to pay to have recalibrated since it had mercury. I just checked my tank therm against that when I got it and it was reasonably close within 1-2 degrees I think...
--Erik

[SBreef]

BTW All.
I have a calibrated thermometer, if you would like to use it. Just LMK

[Thunderkat]

I keep hearing different ranges at which temperatures for reef aquariums should be kept depending on who I talk to or what book I am reading. I read one book that recommends 81-84 degrees so I decided 82 would be a good temp. I know when I went to Port Aransus the water temperature was 90 degrees accroding to the radio, I know thought that Port A is not actually a reef. I have kept my tank at 82 for the longest time and my tank seems to be doing ok. Anybody have any input to a good temp and have links or books to back you up?

[Richard]

Call me old fashioned but I rely on my stick on thermometers and I still used my swing arm hydrometer that I have had for many years. They may be "off" but they are always "off" the same so that is good enough for me.

I try to keep my tanks 82 or lower.