Digital Thermometer Prob?

net_shark512

net_shark512

Useless Chit Chat Posts 999,999
Dec 15, 2002
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OK in my 55g Cichlid Tank I have a digital thermometer(made by Lifeguard) that I got about 2 years ago from the pet wharehouse catalog. Lately it has been reading 81 when I have my heater set at 77. I changed the battery with no results. I have a Second Nature (tetra) Acura 1000 heater (200w). I have never had trouble with these heaters in the past. I checked the temp with 2 glass suction cup thermometers they both read about 78. My question is do you think its the digital thermometer going bad or the heater? I would guess the glass ones would be more correct?
 
I use digital thermometers on all my tanks from tetra. Thing is they are on the outside of the tank so they are usually lower in temp by a few degrees due to how cold our friggin house is with the AC on in the summer, vice versa but opposite for winter. So Exterior temp gauges will always be off by a little bit. Its better to get floating thermometers and let them run in the tank...
 
Are you referring to an electronic digital thermometer or a stick-on job that attached to the external glass.

If you're referring to one of the cheapo external stick-on types, Mantis is correct that they are affected by room temps.

If you're talking about an electronic model with an external probe that sits in the water, make sure the probe is clean. Build up of a biofilm or algae can affect their accuracy.

HTH,
Jim
 
It is the one with the probe inside the tank. That is a great idea about cleaning the probe. I'll give it try, Thanks much.
 
I use quite a few electronic thermometers (I like the $9 indoor/outdoor thermometers from Radio Shack) and have had very good luck with them. I regularly (but not frequently) check them against a glass thermometer to make sure they're not drifting. So far, I have about 10 of these in service, some for more than 2 years, and they're all working well. Cleaning the probe every few months is a good idea.

HTH,
Jim
 
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