Nathan Hill checks out a new thermostat from S. Cumberland.
The paperwork proclaimed 'quality thermostats for the serious aquarist' and after having a play I totally agree.
The thermostat is an external, contrasting starkly to the thin bimetallic strips found in many heater-thermostats. The unit is connected to the mains (plug attached) and you simply plug your heater into the socket provided. A probe then goes into your tank and you have complete control over temperature.
The dial is clear, easy to use and has a firm feel of quality. It’s simple to work the tank in either Centigrade or Fahrenheit and settings can be fine tuned. It’s a much easier to use this large dial than tiny ones found on most branded heaters.
Lights indicate if the power supply is functioning and when the heater is in use.
A thermostat like this is best paired with a larger, titanium heater, but it will also work superbly with standard heater-thermostats, increasing their life spans as their own thermostats won’t be in use.
Our model is 600w capacity, but 800 and 1000w models are also available.
Rig one of these to a big heater in a sump and you’ve total temperature control over a bank of centralised system tanks.
I can either trust the flimsy metal strip in most heater thermostats to keep my fish alive, or have the peace of mind this superior device provides. I’ll be buying more of these in the near future...
The thermostat comes with a rear hook, but seeing as it’s not splashproof, nor submersible, and, given my penchant for drenching anything near an aquarium, I’ll be keeping mine well away from the sides. I’ll certainly not hang it from the back.
Full instructions, including initial set-up, are included and pretty much any conceivable query you may have about the product is covered in the accompanying paperwork.
Comparing the unit price-wise to some others I’ve been looking at, this represents amazing value.
Prices: 600w £27, 800w £30, 1000w £33.
More info: S. Cumberland, 0115 9582544.