A thermometer is a gadget that allows you to do a spot-check or constantly monitor your aquarium water temperature. Think of it as something to make sure your heater is doing its job properly. Some are permanently installed and some can be moved between your different tanks or just brought out during your weekly checks. Some even have a blinking alarm function to warn you if the temperature strays outside of your preferred range!
Which style?
It is horses for courses on this one - everyone has their own preference! The digital LCD style are nice and easy for children or people who need larger numbers to read clearly, but only show a narrow range of temperatures. The glass ones are easiest to move between tanks, and the electronic digital ones are more accurate but obviously need you to fiddle with a battery every so often. Some of the digital thermometers are completely submersible, and some just have a probe that dangles into the tank and the display is mounted more discreetly in the tank. There's no wrong choice here - other than not bothering to have one!
Thermometer Style |
Temperature Range |
Installation Style |
Glass Easy-Read |
-6 to 50oC (20 to 120oF) |
internal/underwater |
Slim Glass |
0 to 50oC |
internal/underwater |
Stick-on LDC |
18 to 34oC (64 to 93 oF) |
external/dry |
Easy Read Digital |
TBC |
internal/underwater |
Digital Probe |
-50oC to 70oC |
probe internal, display external |
Digi Thermo |
1-45oC |
internal/underwater |
Smart Thermo Alarm |
TBC |
external/dry |