Thermometers?

[The-Lion]

Just how accurate are tank thermometers? I don’t believe my tanks water get any where near the 90+ degrees indicated on the thermometer, yes there is some rise in temperature but what I see shown is overly effected by the ambient room temperature. So my questions are what are the most reliable thermometers to use? Digital, old mercury style or the stick on strip thermometers? Then where is the best place in the tank to place the thermometer to get a reliable temperature reading? Top half, bottom half, front, back or side?

 

[annka5]

One way to check is to compare the thermometers in the shop. There will always be some variation, but if 10 of them say 20C and one of them says 18C, obviously the one saying 18C is less accurate.
Or measure something you know the temp of with the tank thermometer - e.g. take your own temp with it.

 

[2day]

i havemine on the left hand side. It is pretty accurate, and have had no troubles with the temperature

 

[oscar52]

Heat within water should be evenly distributed, given there is little variation in depth with a tank. Also, water will hold heat alot longer than air ..... it possible your tank is warmer than the room temperature

 

[b.c.f.c]

i have one of the sticky strip ones and i dont think its accurate at all plus i put it on ,on an angle and now i cant take it off, to put it on straight so it looks a right mess

 

[D4N]

i have a strp and a mercury one and the strip is no were near as good as my mercury one

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I have the strip ones and they are great, i have them located near the bottom of the tank furthest away from the heater.

 

[Chris_Wood]

I have a strip LCD one and a digital.

I agree the best place is as far away from the heater as possible.

I find the digital one to be far more accurate than the LCD one which can be effected by sunlight for e.g.

Also the digital one warns you if the desired temperature range is being exceeded with an audible warning.

CW

 

[geo7x]

I have a digital one, and as Chris Wood said you can set it to sound an alarm if the temperature goes beyond the desired boundaries. Plus, it gives decimal points (mine does anyway) which a strip one doesnt have, unless you have a very keen eye lol. However the digital ons do cost alot more