PDA

View Full Version : Heating Large Tanks


JosephJ
08/19/2015, 02:18 PM
I'm setting up a 300 gallon mixed reef and will be running two heaters in case one fails. I was leaning toward two 500 watt heaters. Does this sound like enough or should I go with something stronger like two 800 watts?

Thanks

Joe

ca1ore
08/19/2015, 02:51 PM
Assuming you are not a polar bear, and maintain you room at typical ambient temperatures, 1,000 watts should be more than sufficient. In fact, I run a similar sized system on 600 (dual 300s).

mcgyvr
08/19/2015, 04:20 PM
^yep..
I always go by 3 x volume to keep a tank up to 10 deg over room temperature..
1000W is plenty..

billdogg
08/19/2015, 05:48 PM
I use 3 x 300w for my ~280g system in the basement.

JosephJ
08/19/2015, 06:49 PM
Thanks everyone, I like redundancies so I think I'll go with 3 x 300 run off my controller.

rwb500
08/19/2015, 06:55 PM
be sure to slightly stagger the trigger temperatures for each heater. so if its really cold one will be on 24/7 and only the 2nd will be turning on and off. This keeps the temperature very steady.

colorful1180
08/19/2015, 07:37 PM
I use 2 x 300w ramping led lights for my 220g aquarium.

http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1slIOIVXXXXXJXpXXq6xXFXXXs/202039597/HTB1slIOIVXXXXXJXpXXq6xXFXXXs.jpg

d2mini
08/19/2015, 08:30 PM
Use Metal Halide and you'll have no problem. :D

C3hutson
08/19/2015, 08:58 PM
Use Metal Halide and you'll have no problem. :D

He beat me to it haha!

Mr. Brooks
08/19/2015, 11:58 PM
I have a 260 gallon QT system located in my warehouse. It gets really cold in the winter. I kept having to add 300 watt eheim heaters until I arrived at 7. It takes 7 - 300 watt heaters to keep my QT tank from dropping in temperature. I've been looking for a solid high wattage heater, unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of info out there about high wattage heaters. I have no idea which one would be most reliable. Looking for input if anyone out there has experience with one.

Breadman03
08/20/2015, 12:57 AM
I've been using a Blueline titanium 800 watt heater with no complaint.

Mr. Brooks
08/20/2015, 01:20 AM
For how long? I was looking at the JBJ titanium heaters but my friend said he had one short out after a year.

Vinny Kreyling
08/20/2015, 07:48 AM
MR B.
Look @ Finnex titanium, my 500 Watt is still going after 8 years.
You still have to remember they do fail.

Breadman03
08/20/2015, 08:02 AM
For how long? I was looking at the JBJ titanium heaters but my friend said he had one short out after a year.

My oldest is 2 or 3 years old.

BlackTip
08/20/2015, 08:10 AM
It depends on few things:
- The difference between the target temp and the ambient temp
- Thickness of the glass
- Whether the tank covered or not.
- The sum of heat produced by equipment

The first and last one are the most important. Equipment and lights can add from 5 degrees to more than 15 degrees. The larger the difference of the target temp and the ambient temp, the bigger the heater you will need.

2 800W should be minimum, unless you are located in the south. If you are in the north, you may need bigger heaters.

michael.lemke
08/20/2015, 09:45 AM
Use Metal Halide and you'll have no problem. :D


I Added halide to my system with a basement sump and my electric bill dropped.

ericarenee
08/20/2015, 09:54 AM
I have a HVAC Vent above my sump aimed at the water Surface. As well as in the display tank there is a hvac vent next to the tank. I put a 3 inch pipe from that vent up into my Canopy.. We keep the house stat around 72-74 deg year round.. The tank stays about 77 in the Day and can drop to 75 lowest at night... I have two 500w heaters but they almost never come on. Same for the 1 hp chiller . There is now about 400 gallons plus water in the system.

moondoggy4
08/20/2015, 10:01 PM
Best heater is the accidental heater, I used to run dual 300 watt heaters for my 120, I would only run the heater in the house in the morning for about 30 minutes to get the chill out of the air. SO I replaced my Laguna 900 return pump with a Iwaki 30 Jap Pressure pump I removed one of my heaters and elec rate went down in the winter. we have a tier elec system.

moondoggy4
08/20/2015, 10:03 PM
http://www.riopump.net/products_pumps/seio_desc.html Also these work real good at heating the water as well.