Recommendation for Compact Heaters

[AT_Hiker]

For my 75 gal display tank I have a 20gal sump that I have planned to divide into 3 sections. Skimmer, return and refugium.

The largest section, the refugium, will only be ~ 11.75"x9.5"x9.5" (WxLxD)

I was going to use two 150W heaters, but every heater I look at (Jager, Finnex, JBJ) in that range is too large for my sump. Are there any good quality compact heaters that fit the bill?

Thanks,
Steve

[sponger0]

Can you put them in diagonally?

[AT_Hiker]

Can you put them in diagonally?

Well, the skimmer compartment will have the skimmer...so no there. The smallest section will have the return pump, and the refugium will have a reduced flow, and will have sand, rock and cheato.

So the only useable compartment seems to be the return pump area, and if I put them in diagonally they'll just be laying on top of the pump.

I would much rather have something that I can attach to the side of the tank.

[Fizz71]

Go titanium...the JBJ 300W and 500W are 13". My math says you can fit around 15" diagonally along the wall or 17 1/2" diagonally internal. Hell..you could fit my 1000 watter in there. :) ..although it'd probably melt it.

[sponger0]

I put my heaters for my 40 in the skimmer section diagonally with no problem and they were 150w heaters.

[AT_Hiker]

Go titanium...the JBJ 300W and 500W are 13". My math says you can fit around 15" diagonally along the wall or 17 1/2" diagonally internal. Hell..you could fit my 1000 watter in there. :) ..although it'd probably melt it.

I noticed "A LOT" of complaints about JBJ heaters on BRS's website. You've had good luck with them?

[Fizz71]

I have a BlueLine Biotherm. The controller NUKED my tank which is why I said JBJ. I have no complaints about my actual BlueLine Biotherm 1000W heating element, but it's now controlled by my RKL.

I won't in good conscience recommend the BlueLine Biotherm Controller to anybody and JBJ is the only large titanium heater I saw on Marine Depot (4 stars there) which is why I mentioned it. Beyond that, I have zero experience with the product.

I can sell you a slighty used BlueLine Biotherm Controller cheap. :) j/k...I don't even know where it is.

[rssayer]

I have a finnex 500w heater in mine with the digital meter. love it and has been very reliable. mine is diag in my sump and takes little space. seems that these are underrated and can handle larger water volumes. currently keeping my 140gl nice and toasty

[AT_Hiker]

I have a finnex 500w heater in mine with the digital meter. love it and has been very reliable. mine is diag in my sump and takes little space. seems that these are underrated and can handle larger water volumes. currently keeping my 140gl nice and toasty

How large is the compartment in the sump where you have the heater?

[rssayer]

compartment is around a third the size of the 29gl I have it it..so in a 12x12 area not to include height of the tank. set up this way where there is lots of water movement from drain and skimmer. Also helps that the whole sump is wrapped in styrofoam sheet to insulate as much heat in.