Heaters. In general

[GraphicGr8s]

Commenting on another forum where it seems the folks are of the, uhm, well younger generation the discussion was on heaters and temps.
So the question. Do you guys worry about precise measurement or is "about" OK?
My own opinion borne out of all the time in the hobby is that "about" is perfectly fine. I don't calibrate any heater ever. I check once in a while with a good thermometer and if it's about where I want it it's fine. Little warmer little cooler doesn't matter.

[Mugwump]

I check any new heater temp 'range' and adjust the heater temp up/down to get it close...then all's cool......I always check because some heaters can vary widely +/- to the extreme on occasion....

[Rjb3]

The "about' thing would be fine for the average person that just wants to keep a few fish.

Every day while feeding I dip my finger in the tanks. You can tell if one is warm or cold. That way if a heater sticks, you'll catch it in time. You need to check at least once a day. I did several times a day.

Temperature is critical when doing water changes on fry tanks. I always used a digital meat thermometer. The water going in the tank was exactly the same temperature every time. If I removed 79.4 degree water, that's what went back in.

[LizStreithorst]

About is good enough for me but I don't let it drop below 82 except during WC.  My WC water is a bit cooler as I think it simulates a good rain.  The reason I like 82 is because I keep Discus and they don't do well in lower temps.  I change water every day so my hands are in the tanks every day.  If there is a noticeable difference between tanks I check with an inferred thermometer.

[PaulineMi]

I check my water temps about every two days because it's fun using my relatively new infrared radar gun type thermometer. In addition to the tank water I can also check the temps of the walls, the doors, the stereo and have the fish chase the red dot in their tank. 

[Mugwump]

I check my water temps about every two days because it's fun using my relatively new infrared radar gun type thermometer. In addition to the tank water I can also check the temps of the walls, the doors, the stereo and have the fish chase the red dot in their tank. 

LOL..and here I thought that I was the only one that played with the infrared temp guns.....LOL....what a great tool tho....yep, hands in the tanks daily (I like to play with the fry )...

[BillT]

About is usually good for me.

When in labs exact temperatures (for zebrafish) are common because the eggs develop at extremely dependable rates at certain temperatures, but that is the only real reason for it.

In the wild fish in almost any environment will be swimming around through different temperatures and therefore seeing temperatures changes pretty rapidly.

[Ron Sower]

In the wild fish in almost any environment will be swimming around through different temperatures and therefore seeing temperatures changes pretty rapidly.

Bill has hit it on the nailhead! When the fish swim in the shallows, it's warmer water usually. And in the depths, cooler.

I have been leaving most of my tanks at room temps...70-74. They are community tanks for the most part. If I've got fish I want to spawn, I'll use heaters to maintain a 'close enough' temp range. But it's been awhile since I've really been trying to spawn any.