Theo heaters and AC Jr.\DC?

[rob020880]

I just bought two 200 watt theo heaters. I also have a neptune aquacontroller Jr. with a DC8. After reading the manual for the heaters I realized that they maintain the temp automatically. So my question is whether or not I need to connect the heaters to the AC Jr. if the heater controls itself whats the point? I would like to be able to connect the heaters to the outlet alone rather then the DC8, as it would free up a spot for something else.

[DavinD]

I use my AC Jr. to control my heater and set the thermostat on the heater slightly higher. This way if either fails, I don't boil anything.

[ordy1]

If you only use the thermostat built into the Theo you run the risk of it sticking in the "On" position and cooking your tank. The beauty of the AC Jr. is that you connect your heater and your chiller and maintain the temp. of the tank within 2 degrees of each other. If you don't use a chiller you can hook it up to your hood fans and use them as your chiller. Look at it as a redundant safety for your tank.

Ordy