Frustrated With Temperature Readings

[viperfish]

After getting varying readings in several digital thermometers from Marina, I decided too take the plunge and spend some decent money on a Pinpoint wireless thermometer. I have two sensors set up, one in my 180 and one in my 90. I'm beginning to think there isn't an accurate thermometer out there because my Pinpoint is telling me my 90 Gal tank is at 81.3 and after trying every thermometer in the house I honestly believe it is between 78 and 79 which is what I want. It is also telling me my 180 is at 79.9 when I think it is at around 76. All I want is an accurate thermometer, anyone know where I can get one? Anyone have troubles with the Pinpoint? Between all the crappy heaters and crappy thermometers out there, it gets very difficult to control temperature sometimes.

[hillegom]

I remember we had an accurate thermometer in the lab at school.
Know anyone you could borrow one from? And then recalibrate your own?
Otherwise, you could buy one from a scientific Co.

[fkshiu]

The best way to calibrate any thermometer is to put it under your tongue (or where the sun don't shine - your choice). It should read 98.6 degrees F.

[Bryan]

That only works if the thermometer has a linear slope. Best is to purchase a lab grade thermometer and use that as a basis for referencing thsoe cheap digital thermometers.

[o.c.d.]

I just bought a non contact infrared thermometer. I quite like it can get a bulb temp. So far the accuracy is dead on.Would make a good cat toy with the laser pointer although my dog acts like it's a sniper and bolts if he see's it? Little wussy dog.

[viperfish]

I just bought a non contact infrared thermometer. I quite like it can get a bulb temp. So far the accuracy is dead on.Would make a good cat toy with the laser pointer although my dog acts like it's a sniper and bolts if he see's it? Little wussy dog.

I have one of those. I'll have to give it a try. Would the glass and water cause inaccurate readings?

[Myka]

I have used those laser thermometers on the oil rigs lots to check the temp of fluids. They are usually fairly accurate, but I wouldn't use them as a calibration tool.

The best way to calibrate any thermometer is to put it under your tongue (or where the sun don't shine - your choice). It should read 98.6 degrees F.

That only works if the thermometer has a linear slope.

It works great if you use a human designed thermometer to measure your body temp, check its accuracy, and then use that thermometer in the tank beside your aquarium thermometer. I have done this, and I find both of my digital TDS meters (one Hanna, one HM) are both accurate for temperature. Using that I have calibrated some glass aquarium thermometers that stay in the tank and sump permanently. Both the glass thermometers read 2 degrees too high.

[Lance]

After getting varying readings in several digital thermometers from Marina, I decided too take the plunge and spend some decent money on a Pinpoint wireless thermometer. I have two sensors set up, one in my 180 and one in my 90. I'm beginning to think there isn't an accurate thermometer out there because my Pinpoint is telling me my 90 Gal tank is at 81.3 and after trying every thermometer in the house I honestly believe it is between 78 and 79 which is what I want. It is also telling me my 180 is at 79.9 when I think it is at around 76. All I want is an accurate thermometer, anyone know where I can get one? Anyone have troubles with the Pinpoint? Between all the crappy heaters and crappy thermometers out there, it gets very difficult to control temperature sometimes.


Yup, the Pinpoint Wireless is a piece of crap! Mine reads 1.5 degrees F too high.

[new but handy]

The best way to calibrate any thermometer is to put it under your tongue (or where the sun don't shine - your choice). It should read 98.6 degrees F.

98.6 is the average temp of people, everyone is slightly different.
I am consistantly 97.4. my gf runs at 99 or so