Which heater with external thermostat?

[NoNitrates]

My heater is due for replacement. It's a few years old now and it's keeping the tank at 78 deg regardless of thermostat setting. I'd like to get one with an external thermostat. Which brand is the best? Or should I consider a thermostat controller that the heater plugs into?

 

[Phranque]

IMO, you're always better off using a heater plugged into a separate heater controller.

 

[dmolavi]

I've been pondering this as well, leaving the built-in thermostat on my heater set to the mid-80s, then let a controller handle the rest. Any suggestions for a controller (I have a nano tank, so Reefkeepers and Apex's are overkill for just this)?

 

[AquaRick]

If you're looking just for a temp controller, you can't go wrong with a ranco controller:

You will have to do some wiring yourself, but it's super easy:

RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control NEW: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Here's a good youtube vid on how to wire the controller:
How to wire a Ranco ETC-111000-000 Digital Temperature Controller - YouTube


If you want, you can also buy a prewired version: ETC Supply

 

[NoNitrates]

Thanks for the link Rick. I'll have to get that Ranco.