Using a Co-op heater with an external tempeature cotroller

[AndyP]

Is it safe to use the Aquarium Co-op heater with an external temperature controller? I have DIY temperature controllers on all my tanks with Eheim heaters.

I used to use Aqueon Pro heaters. When I asked Aqueon about using an external temperature controller with their Pro heaters, they told me not to do it. So, I bought a bunch of Eheims. Then I got another email telling me that using an external temperature controller is just fine.

An external temperature controller completely kills all power to the heater when the tank is at temperature, and I am worried that might mess with the electronics inside the heater if it's basically being plugged in and unplugged all day.

[quikv6]

I have been using Inkbirds with all my heaters (mix of Aqueon Pros and Aq. Co-op) without issue. The only difference I see is that I use the controller as a failsafe, as opposed to a governing thermostat. I let the heater thermostats themselves control their trmp/turn on/off. But if one sticks/fails in the on position, I have the Inkbird set about 2 degrees higher, and it will cut power to the failed heater.

[AndyP]

On 10/23/2022 at 5:03 PM, quikv6 said:

I have been using Inkbirds with all my heaters (mix of Aqueon Pros and Aq. Co-op) without issue. The only difference I see is that I use the controller as a failsafe, as opposed to a governing thermostat. I let the heater thermostats themselves control their trmp/turn on/off. But if one sticks/fails in the on position, I have the Inkbird set about 2 degrees higher, and it will cut power to the failed heater.

That's a good idea. I have doing the opposite, and allowing the temperature controller be the primary controller with the thermostat be the secondary. I really should be doing it the other way around.

[quikv6]

You can do it either way. But I'd rather use it as an added layer, personally. It sort of lets the heaters do what they are supposed to do....until they don't.