Some background info for ya first. About 2 weeks ago I constructed a new retro light rack consisting of 3- 250w halides and 4 single bulb T5 actinic units. The T5 units are fully self contained Reef Brights and the halides are 3 Luxcore ballasts. Everything is new. I basically replaced a light rack I've had on my system for 5+ years with one a bit larger for more coverage. All aluminum frame construction.
Temp readings started going haywire when I installed the new lights. At first I didn't make the connection. My temp probe was about 7 years old so I figured it just crapped out on me. Ordered 2 new ones. Replaced the old one and thing worked fine again but only for a couple days. Then erratic readings again.
Over the past several days I've noticed a pattern. My halides are set to come on daily at 12:30pm and shut off at 10:30pm. As soon as they turn on the temp reading instantly drops to about 65 degrees. When they shut off at 10:30 temp readout returns to normal at roughly 77. T5's on or off don't effect readings. So I'm thinking RF interference right? But everything related to the halides are several feet away from both the brain controller and temp probe/wire. Puzzling
But here's the kicker... I also noticed that whenever I turn off the return pump for feedings or whatever the temp reading drops to ~ 25 degrees. When return pump is turned back on the reading climbs back up to about 65 again. At 10:30pm when halides go off temp readouts return to normal and remain normal all night long until next day when halides come back on. any ideas? I have since ordered and received a new control module. Worst case scenario I'll have a backup now. I have tens of thousands invested and am not willing to lose it over a $300 part.
In the pic below the flat line is over night consistency. The first dip is halide on time and the 2 deep dips are the 2 10min daily feedings. Feb 16-18 is when I installed the new probe.
Any thoughts/ ideas are welcome. Thanks
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