Simple temp controller for sump fan?

[NateHanson]

Does anyone have a good idea for a simple cheap way to roughly control a fan based on tank or ambient temperature?

My basement sump is now keeping the tank at a really steady temperature, but on hotter days (like Wednesday!) it needs the help of a fan to keep things right at 80.5.

I am using a fan on a timer, and that works ok, but days like today, for instance, it's just going to make my heaters cycle more often.

Nate

 

[denvig]

How about something like this
http://www.lmimg.com/OrderPage.asp?PN=LMITC21
http://www.lmimg.com/Thermostatically_controlled_outlets.asp

 

[Yaktop]

ice cap fan with remote sensor? actually that does just speed. I use one that can be dialed in to turn on and off. I'll check and get the name an model. turns on the fan at X and off at Y - about $45, can plug anything in it.

 

[denvig]

Or this for 10 bucks

http://www.nutonesales.com/attic.html

 

[Yaktop]

looks good, turns on and off at a preset. Nate, buy it and let us know.

 

[Piscevore]

i saw that, that looks awesome. Nate, would you be interested in doing a pre pay group buy

 

[NateHanson]

That'd be great . . . if my basement ever hit 70 degrees. I'm not sure I get that high even on a hot day. Not sure though. I'd have to check on a warmer day.

 

[NateHanson]

I think this one from Dennis' first post would work. (but it's $100)

 

[denvig]

You could always put it remote in your tank stand.

There is an adjustable wall mounted one as well.

 

[Piscevore]

What about if it kicked on at 84...water temp though, instead of air?

 

[NateHanson]

Actually here's the best one. It's digitally controlled, and has a waterproof remote temp sensor. ($200 )

 

[NateHanson]

You could always put it remote in your tank stand.

There is an adjustable wall mounted one as well.

Hey, that's not a bad idea. hmm.

 

[denvig]

Actually here's the best one. It's digitally controlled, and has a waterproof remote temp sensor. ($200 )

If you want to go that route get this one
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AL1711

This is what I have controlling my heaters

 

[NateHanson]

What about if it kicked on at 84...water temp though, instead of air?

The goal is to keep my tank between 80.5 and 81.5, so unless I get a very accurate controller (probably digital) then I think I'd better sense the ambient temp rather than the water temp. The allowable range is just to small, I think, so it would probably either run all the time or none of the time.

 

[NateHanson]

If you want to go that route get this one
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=AL1711

Yeah, those are nice, but I think a little overkill. Afterall, if it isn't cheaper than running the fan every day and paying for the heaters to kick a bit more often, it's not really worth doing.

 

[denvig]

The wall unit can be set to turn on the fan from 50 to 90 deg F

 

[MarkO]

I picked up an A/C thermostat for about $20. Worked fine.

 

[NateHanson]

oops. My sump fan on a timer had my tank down to 78 degrees today (normal 80.5), so I guess the timer isn't the answer. I also turned up my #2 heater a bit because it wasnt on at that temp.

Mark did you just get that at HD or something? Is it the same sort of thing that Dennis has pictured right above your post?

Thanks, Nate