Hi, I have been looking all over for a cheap thermometer just to give me a ballpark range of where my water temp is. I don't care about being exact and precise, but I need to know when I can buy my tilapia for algae control and I want to know how far off I am from 60 degrees!

I bought one from Amazon (link below) and it was complete garbage. The first one I got was actually missing the glass part in the middle where the mercury is. All I got was the plastic frame! When I complained and they sent me a new one, that thermometer is telling me I have 72 degree water today (it's MUCH colder than that, I can barely go in up to my knees).

I need one that is cheap and submersible. It seems like everything I try to find is for a pool and it floats. Surface temperature does nothing for me!

Here's a link to the one I tried twice now:
Amazon.com

I can't suggest a decent "Pond" thermometer, but I have seen here on PB where folks have fastened a weight and string to the standard floating pool thermometers to get them to the depths they wish.

Before you give up on the thermometer you bought, I'd drop it in a glass of water with lots of ice and see how close it reads 32F 0C.

That's what I do. I have several of the pool therms I use for depth, and one laser thermometer for drive by surface temp shootings. They're 1 degree different, but a consistent 1 degree, so it really doesn't matter that much.

I got this one, and it seems to be holding up okay so far:

Zacro LCD Digital Aquarium Thermometer Fish Tank Water Terrarium Temperature
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A0TMS6Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I did what Al and Quarter acre mentioned. Went to a pool supply and picked a floating thermometer up for $13.00. I have a snap swivel and weight when I want to monitor different depths. Good luck.

How cheap do you want?

https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Digital-In...ermometer+wired

Put a weight on the probe, use tape or a marker to mark the wire in one foot increments.

Thank you for posting this. I added it to my favorites so I can order one once I have enough for free shipping.

Update - reviews say about 20% quit working pretty quick.

I use a refrigerator thermometer like this one...on a string, it sinks
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/refriger...pq2saAsop8P8HAQ

I have cheap digital meat thermometer to get surface temps

This one looks like something I could use but the shipping is $16 for something that costs under $2??

This is right in the same range cost wise as what I got before. However, the reviews for this say the probe cord is only 4'9" long, which would make measuring temp at any kind of depth from the shore pretty difficult. I see some with a 10' probe but they're over 3x the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Orvis-Rugged-Stream-Thermometer-Black/dp/B0039MY5XE%3Fpsc%3D1%26SubscriptionId%3DAKIAJPDAVZS23CAWP6IA%26tag%3D10gofish-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB0039MY5XE

I used this one https://www.amazon.com/Aquascape-74000-Submersible-Pond-Thermometer/dp/B00A0WGRUA, hope it will be good for you also.