What kind of heater for BIG tank? [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

i2ik

10/31/2006, 12:00 AM

As the title say, i would like to know what kind of heater is needed for a system of 1000G - 1500G

Thanks a lot

nyvp

10/31/2006, 12:08 AM

I would say it doesnt really matter. From what I've heard there really isn't one heater that doesnt fail. What I did is go with multiple heaters 4-250w on a controller aqua III. The reason is one heater (250w)stuck open on a 1000k system isnt going to boil the water in case of failure and this way also you can spread the heat across your sump.Just my 2cents

46bfinGA

10/31/2006, 12:20 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8448043#post8448043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nyvp
I would say it doesnt really matter. From what I've heard there really isn't one heater that doesnt fail. What I did is go with multiple heaters 4-250w on a controller aqua III. The reason is one heater (250w)stuck open on a 1000k system isnt going to boil the water in case of failure and this way also you can spread the heat across your sump.Just my 2cents

good thinking!i will do that on my system

joejoe1055

10/31/2006, 12:22 AM

i agree
muli heaters are the way to go because of the safety factor

i2ik

10/31/2006, 02:07 AM

so multiple heaters will works as good as 1 big one?

just dave

10/31/2006, 03:43 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8448043#post8448043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nyvp
I would say it doesnt really matter. From what I've heard there really isn't one heater that doesnt fail. What I did is go with multiple heaters 4-250w on a controller aqua III. The reason is one heater (250w)stuck open on a 1000k system isnt going to boil the water in case of failure and this way also you can spread the heat across your sump.Just my 2cents

That assumes they are each on separate controllers. If all the heaters are controlled by the same device the risk of the controller sticking on is the same with one large heater as opposed to several smaller ones.

46bfinGA

10/31/2006, 09:13 AM

i think that the odds of the controller sticking vs. the heater failing is going to be favorable towards the heater everytime?maybe im wrong?

just dave

10/31/2006, 11:10 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8449395#post8449395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 46bfinGA
i think that the odds of the controller sticking vs. the heater failing is going to be favorable towards the heater everytime?maybe im wrong?

My point was that multiple heaters on a single controller would have the same chance of failing (staying on) as a single heater on the same controller.

The benefits of multiple heaters is negated unless they are each independently controlled.

If using regular stick type heaters ,with built-in thermostats ,the thermostats could be set at the same temp as the main controller or slightly higher so that in the event the main controller stuck on each would be operating on their own thermostat.

46bfinGA

10/31/2006, 11:19 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8449935#post8449935 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by just dave
My point was that multiple heaters on a single controller would have the same chance of failing (staying on) as a single heater on the same controller.

The benefits of multiple heaters is negated unless they are each independently controlled.

If using regular stick type heaters ,with built-in thermostats ,the thermostats could be set at the same temp as the main controller or slightly higher so that in the event the main controller stuck on each would be operating on their own thermostat.

makes sense,well the heaters i use have thermostats built into them so i guess i have nothing to worry about!good to hear

mcrist

10/31/2006, 01:36 PM

I’m using an Aqua Medic 1000w titanium heater connected to a Medusa dual stage controller. I would highly recommend using a Medusa controller because it keeps the temperature constant.

vair

10/31/2006, 02:14 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8450879#post8450879 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mcrist
I’m using an Aqua Medic 1000w titanium heater connected to a Medusa dual stage controller. I would highly recommend using a Medusa controller because it keeps the temperature constant.

The Mudusa seems a bit pricey for just a heater/chiller control, spenting a bit more to get a controller that does 'every thing' IMO is the way to go. ie. Neptune

Dave

mcrist

10/31/2006, 02:27 PM

I have that too but I would never rely on an x10 device to shut something off in an emergency. I think you are better off using something that is dedicated to one task for something that can fail as easily as a heater.

vair

10/31/2006, 04:11 PM

Can't argue that point. For what it's worth I've never had problems with my X10 but I'm still switching to the direct connect (DC) with the controller.

Scuba Dog

10/31/2006, 06:11 PM

I went with a chiller/heater combo.

chicken

11/01/2006, 03:44 AM

I ended up running a pair of Ranco controllers in series so incase if one of them fails I will not cook my system. Check out http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=8166147#post8166147 for more information.

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