Digital Disaster!

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While doing water changes in both tanks yesterday, I noticed significant difference in water temp in them right after on the digital temp senors I use on both. Both should have been close to same.

Wondering "WTF"... I placed both senors in large tank...

This is what they showed...

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One on left reading 76.7 degrees, one on right reading reading 87.1 degrees...

Have been wondering lately why it seemed to keep temp up in main tank...when what I was actually doing was cooking it basing reading off the left sensor which as 10 degrees off (low).

This has been going on for months.

Temp in main tank has probably been 86-88 degrees. :-[

Error compounded as I normally used the misreading one to measure exhange water temp when mixing salt. (therefore screwing up salinity after changing water...:-[)

Probably explains recent loss of Flame Wrasse, shrimp, anemone bleaching (which I was blaming on lights)...

Feel so stupid. Should have been cross referencing with another thermometer. Also wonder why I did not notice earlier.

Shows need to do so.

From now on using two digital temp warning sensors, one in both tank and sump. If one is off, other will let me know to check.

One would think these things are pretty fail safe... Fish really showed no signs of stress. Only coral doing poorly was xenias which were not expanding like they had before.

Also shows how complacency can blind you when going thru long periods of tank stability...%^&^%&^%$@

Am furious at both sensor and self.

Be warned!

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If I were you I would use an old-school mercury-based thermometer, they never fail (unless you brake the glass obviously) ! We always use them in lab! They are the most accurate and reliable! Nonetheless, I can understand your frustration. I even can't remember how many times I had to repeat experiments in the lab because of inaccurate/incorrect temp. readings...! Take care!

 

I definitely agree with both of you guys!!!!

 

Got one yesterday...about 30 minutes after discovery of problem...THX

 

i dont use a thermometer, the chillers display the setting.

 

That stinks Scott

I'm glad things are improving.

With the negative things said above, I just wanted to let you know that the Rainbow Lifeguard digital that failed for you probably saved 5 grand in livestock for me a couple years back. I was thinking, "What the heck is that beeping noise?" It turns out that my heater thermostat was broken and the alarm feature did it's job.

 

Thx Curt.

Have no doubt in benefit of. Has worked for me in past when heater plug was inadvertantly slipped some outlet.

Got to have that alarm.

Cheap investment as you say, considering amount of $$$ at risk.

Just not going to put faith in just one anymore. The working one cost like 10 bucks at PETCO...

Just have to remember also to regularly change batteries...

 

Well at least you didn't cook the hole tank. Thanks for keeping us informed so we can watch out ourselfs.