Thermometer woes..

C

CBTF

;(
Jan 2, 2006
253
0
0
Toronto, Canada
I have one of those thermometers that stick to the sides of the tank. Can they give bad readings? Ive had my heater set at 71F for 2 days and it says my tank is 78 degrees. When I stick my hand in, the water feels frigid, definately not 78.

Who do I trust? My senses/the heater knob or the thermo?

I just raised the heater to 75 on by it's settings..
 
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I always look for the simple and cheapest solution,I would suggest getting a second thermometer that floats inside the tank,they're pretty cheap and are pretty acurate.
 
The type that stick on the outside of the tank are not very accurate. They measure the temp of the glass, which is not always the same as the water. Do you live in a warm area? I'd the type that floats in the tank if you want to be absolutly sure.
 
I use the type that clip on the glass inside the tank. I put mine at the back corner by the filter. Its easy to view but will not draw any attention to itself giving the aesthetic look I enjoy.
 
It will be a while before I can buy a thermo. No, I don't live in a warm area. Not at this time of the year anyways. (Toronto Canada).

I'll go by the heater's dial for now until I can get one (new thermometer). Is it harmful sticking the kind that go on the glass on the inside of the tank? I mean, if i were to stick it to the back it would probably give the right reading.
 
I have used all different types of thermometers to test my water in a pinch. I have a thermometer magnent on my fridge that I stick in the tank all the time, I just put it in a clean plastic baggie and then hold it in the water for a few minutes, get my reading, and take it out. So, I'd just do the same with your thermometer, peel it off, stick it in a baggie, and measure away! Or do you have a small "outdoors" type thermometer, like the type that you stick on your window, you could use that. Pretty much anything that will measure the 70-80* range.
 
could the room the tank is in... the heater is probably heating to what it is set for but other factors could be rasing it... think of close by heat...etc.
 
The tank is beside a window that sucks, so if anywhere the tank should be somewhere nicer. It's definately not other factors. I'll try and dig up a window one somewhere.
 
I use stick-on thermometers and I trust them more than the heater presets. Most factory heater settings are only ballpark, and sometimes they seem to be way off. The stick-on thermometers aren't the most accurate, but they work fine for most hobbyist purposes. Make sure you have good water circulation (expecially near the heater), so that the water stays at an even temp without too many hot/cold spots.

Where on the tank did you place the thermometer, and where is it in relation to the heater?
 
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