Coralife Digital Thermometer.

**gadget228** · 12-03-2011, 04:41 PM

I use these on all my tanks and about a month ago I thought the heater on my betta tank was going bad because the temp had dropped about 4 degree's. After checking by hand the water didn't feel that cold so I checked it with a handheld digital and the temp was fine, this morning my 75 was showing about 4 degrees low so I checked it first with the handheld then with a old floater and they both showed the temp was fine.

Replaced the batteries in both Coralifes and there both still off by 4 degree's, bought four of them at the same time and they are about 2 years old and the other two are fine. Maybe I got a couple bad ones but I going back to the type that sticks to your front glass.

**Fishguy2727** · 12-03-2011, 04:50 PM

You don't want the ones that stick on the outside of the glass, at best those take an average of the tank and the room. If you want the temp of the water you want one in the water. I prefer JW's SmartTemp because it mounts inside using a magnet, not a suction cup. The only way it could be better is if were black.

**Cliff** · 12-03-2011, 06:34 PM

I've never used those so I can't offer any help here

Just wanted to say good job catching that

**dbosman** · 12-04-2011, 02:29 AM

An amusing thing to do at any thermometer display is check all of them.
Usually it is a range of temperatures. Sometimes the range of temperatures displayed is astounding.

**Surfdog** · 12-05-2011, 12:25 AM

I also use digitals but have standard glass in tank thermo's as well as a back up. I love electronics, but, I still don't trust them 100% and never will. I feel murphy's law trully aplies to electronics that work in or with water...and Fishguy is 100% correct on the glass mount stick ons.

**nikelodeon79** · 02-07-2012, 05:18 PM

I did a search on the forum for digital thermometers and found this thread. I just thought I'd add my experiences.

I have about 14 of these Coralife digital thermometers and I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread when I first bought them (obviously, since I have 14 of them).

I had the same experience as the OP: after a few months, the thermometers stop taking accurate readings and then never again work, despite replacing the batteries. I have a couple that are off by almost 10*F!

I only have a couple that still work properly. Just 2-3 thermometers, out of 14!

I've contacted the company about them and will update when/if I receive a response.

**dmagerl** · 02-07-2012, 05:54 PM

That thermometer is ONE OF THE WORST thermometers I have ever used. As a mini product review, I recommend everyone to stay away from it. Two thumbs down, and that's because I only have two thumbs. It's manufactured under several different names too.

Mine did exactly the same thing yours did, worked initially, then off by several degrees. I had three of them. Two of the three failed. The third is still working after several years.

I figure water gets into the probe. Maybe, before initial use, a glob of silicone rubber would seal it where the wire enters.

**bignellm** · 02-07-2012, 05:57 PM

Mine is Ryobi Infrared Temp Gun. Gives highs, averages, and last scan. Cost is about $45.00; got one, just cause I had to have one. Is a fun toy to run around the house checking for leaks.

Just use this and the glass tubes in my tanks.

**Fishin Phil** · 02-11-2012, 09:17 PM

This thread made me so nervous about my Coralife Digital thermometer, I went out and picked up a little floating thermometer to see how far mine was off.

Apparently, I got the only good one Coralife ever made.

**gadget228** · 02-12-2012, 10:23 AM

Two out of the original four I bought are still working fine and the two replacements are still OK but I just don't trust them anymore so I added JW Smart Temps to all my tanks just to be safe side.