Ranco Users -- Feedback?

[linda lee]

How do these work? Is this actually a device that heats the water? Or do you use it in conjunction with a heater and it turns the heater off and on?

 

[lilrobb]

The latter,
comes in one stage (heating only) or two stage (heating/heating, heating/cooling and cooling/cooling) - a little on the bulky side for a modern controller but great quality and price.

Robb

 

[weaglereefer]

Will a Reefkeeper 2 accomplish this as well (2 stage heat/cool that is)? Seems like for the money, it doesn't do THAT much...

 

[linda lee]

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So it has some kind of socket that you plug your heater into?

I can see the probe, but I can't see how this attaches to the heater in any way. Is there a particular kind of heater recommended for this? Which one do you use and on what size tank?

Thanks!

 

[linda lee]

au01st;299688 wrote: Will a Reefkeeper 2 accomplish this as well (2 stage heat/cool that is)? Seems like for the money, it doesn't do THAT much...

Well, I can't afford a RK right now, and this seems like a more reliable temperature control than the Coralife digital thermometers. We have 3 of those in the water right now, all with different read-outs.

 

[weaglereefer]

I'm just saying, that's $160, the RK2 (the one that's now retired) went for what, like $270? For that extra $100, there's so much more, IF it has the dual stage controller, that is...

I'd like to get a RK2 this summer.

 

[lilrobb]

It's on my 55g with a 300W and a 150W heater.
I obviously use it dual heat.

It actually looks like this - only the power strip is replaced with two separate outlets.

Note to myself:
NICE,
I didn't know that this mod was available - might try that later on...

And NO - you can use any heater - you can adjust the sensivity of each connected unit in three steps.

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[linda lee]

au01st;299699 wrote: I'm just saying, that's $160, the RK2 (the one that's now retired) went for what, like $270? For that extra $100, there's so much more, IF it has the dual stage controller, that is...

I'd like to get a RK2 this summer.

Here's one on Ebay for $48.35

 

[lilrobb]

Single stage though

 

[linda lee]

Is this one for an aquarium? The EBay description says HVAC, but the model number (ETC 111000) is the same as on the Ranco page for Aquariums.

 

[lilrobb]

I wanna say the probe is different and it doesn't come with outlets, you'll need to wire it yourself.

Robb

 

[linda lee]

LilRobb;299728 wrote: I wanna say the probe is different and it doesn't come with outlets, you'll need to wire it yourself.

Robb

Scratch that one then!!

I'm not an electrician ... that's for sure.

 

[acroholic]

Linda, the Ranco controller is probably the best unit on the market today. A single stage controller controls a heating element. Think of the controller itself as the thermostat part of a submersible heater. The unit is wired with a temperature probe. It has a female 3 prong receptacle on the side of the unit that you plug a titanium heating element into. You set the controller to the desired temperature you want the water maintained at, and the controller energizes the outlet on the side of the controller that your heating element is plugged into when the water temperature drops below your set point, then turns off power to the element when your desired temperature is reached.

I bought my Rancos from JEHMCO. I used them a lot when I was importing Discus. They have a nice combination that should be all you need. Item #TSHTCE-500 is a Ranco single stage controller and 500 watt titanium heating element for $115.

Here is the page: http://jehmco.com/html/heaters.html#Titanium%20Heaters">http://jehmco.com/html/heaters.html#Titanium%20Heaters</a>
The item I mentioned is about halfway down the page.

JEHMCO supplies a lot of people with large fishrooms or breeding operations, etc. They are great to do business with, and will take the time to answer any questions you have if you need to call them.
Dave

 

[glxtrix]

I love mine! Been going solid for 3+ years now. I have a fan hooked up to mine as a back up for cooling. I got the base unit for like $65 you can open the unit and wire a simple electric cord to it....you can get one with the cord already installed for an extra fee. It's as simple as loosening 3 screws and inserting the wires correctly (diagram included) Close the unit, set your temp ranges and you're good to go. I'll snap some pics of mine later tonight if you want. I know these things have been used a loooooong time for keeping the fridges for kegs at the right temp....they are very durable and long lasting. I thing, besides the RK, these are a great investment......for a basic temp controller.

 

[glxtrix]

Here are some links to them:

http://www.climatedoctors.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=429705">http://www.climatedoctors.com/items/item.aspx?itemid=429705</a>

prewired - [IMG]http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html">http://www.rancoetc.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html</a>

 

[linda lee]

Thanks, Lee, Dave and Robb!

This is definitely something we'll consider until we win the lottery and buy the RKE.

;-)

 

[glxtrix]

Bah, just get the RK2....the elite is pretty and all, but I dont think it's needed. Besides you can sometimes find great deals on RK's here in the club.

 

[linda lee]

glxtrix;299960 wrote: Bah, just get the RK2....the elite is pretty and all, but I dont think it's needed. Besides you can sometimes find great deals on RK's here in the club.

But I like *pretty* ... I'm easily seduced into a sale on looks alone. Don't really care how things work.

Take Loren, for instance.

(Oh wait -- bad example)

 

[glxtrix]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! nice I'll agree with you though, I'm a on the spot buyer just because of pretty....my wife hates me for it! LOL.

 

[acroholic]

Have you ever bought something just BECAUSE it was a good deal, without any really strong need? I have, unfortunately.
Dave