What Heater to Buy?

grizwalt333 · 03/09/2011, 01:50 AM

Ok Reef Central,

I am setting up a new display and I am going to buy the Heater(s) soon. It is a 40g Breeder with a 20 L sump and I would like to have redundant heaters, controlled by my Reef Keeper.

I have had Stealth's in the past but I seemed to burn them out fast and they over heat on their way out. I have a Hydor in my display now but am thinking of a Azoo or Won Brothers Titanium elements.

Would a single 100w element cover a 40g Breeder w 60g Total System Volume?

What is the rule of thumb here? (2.5w per Gallon I don't know?)

Let me know.

c.

needmore-reef · 03/09/2011, 02:52 AM

I use two Jager Ebo with my Neptune Jr. they seem good.

I would use two 50watt small heaters.

Ninjapotamus · 03/09/2011, 02:58 AM

titanium 4 me

pmrossetti · 03/09/2011, 05:09 AM

JBJ true temp titanium heater. see it on BulkReefSupplyCom youtube channel

reeferlover · 03/09/2011, 05:33 AM

Get a titanium heater with a controller

Midnightsun · 03/09/2011, 05:42 AM

If you want the most reliable bar none, Eheim Jager.

Korrine · 03/09/2011, 06:28 AM

my eheim jager runs below the temp it's set at. Get a controller.

Midnightsun · 03/09/2011, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Korrine

my eheim jager runs below the temp it's set at. Get a controller.

Did you know you can set the temp on the dial to indicate true if it is off? In others words if you set it to 82 and it runs 80, you can set the dial to 82 so it is dead on.

Ideal setup with controller...

Eheim Jager set to 80 degrees, plugged into controller set to shut down if temps rise above 84, smaller non adjustable heater to kick in if temps run below 78 such as this which I know is factory set at about 78. http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=12960

Korrine · 03/09/2011, 06:48 AM

I'm just saying don't rely on any brand in particular because not all heaters are made perfectly. Don't install a new heater when you won't be around to keep an eye on it and run it on a controller. I bought a RKL, which I'll install in a week or two after I have the great joy of moving the tank around, do painting, plumbing and adding more rock

gweston · 03/09/2011, 11:01 AM

I replaced all my recalled Stealth Pro's with Fluval E's recently. So far I really like it. Rock steady temperature (within 0.5 degrees). They are pricey however. I monitor with an Apex controller, but let the Fluval E keep the temp in check rather than the controller turning on/off the heater. I set a temperature threshold so if by chance the temp does get above a certain range, it will cut power to the heater and send me an alert. If the temp drops below a certain range, it will also send me an alert. Supposedly the Fluval E monitors itself, and will shut itself off if problems are detected to prevent a stuck on condition. If the heating element is having trouble keeping it at the set temp, it will also flash a warning on it's LED screen.

So far my opinion is positive, but it has only been just over a week roughly since I have been using it.

solitude127 · 03/09/2011, 11:06 AM

I agree with all these folks. Both my systems use Jager on controllers. the controller is set below the temp set on the actual heater just in case the controller wigs out for some reason.
As far as wattage, this truly depends on the ambient temp. On my 150, I have 2 - 250w with an ambient temp of about 68. My frag tank in the garage, which is only 30g, I have a total of 400w because the ambient temp is in the 50s. A
Assuming your tank is inside the house with a decent ambient temp, I would recommend 2 - 100w heater.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightsun

If you want the most reliable bar none, Eheim Jager.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Korrine

my eheim jager runs below the temp it's set at. Get a controller.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midnightsun

Did you know you can set the temp on the dial to indicate true if it is off? In others words if you set it to 82 and it runs 80, you can set the dial to 82 so it is dead on.

Ideal setup with controller...

Eheim Jager set to 80 degrees, plugged into controller set to shut down if temps rise above 84, smaller non adjustable heater to kick in if temps run below 78 such as this which I know is factory set at about 78. http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=12960

JoeRonda · 03/09/2011, 01:08 PM

Eheim Jager is a very good heater, that is what I use in my S.W. tank.

bamf25 · 03/09/2011, 01:36 PM

I have two 200 W Eheim Jager's on my 120g, big plus on some of the others out there is they are fully submersable. They heated the water to 78 in about 8 to 9 hrs from around 68.

solitude127 · 03/09/2011, 02:04 PM

The only downfall I've found with Jagers is that the seem to be longer than other glass heaters with comparable watts.

bamf25 · 03/09/2011, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solitude127

The only downfall I've found with Jagers is that the seem to be longer than other glass heaters with comparable watts.

They are slightly larger, I was debating between the Fluval and the Eheim (I saw them in the LFS), and the fluval was about 1 1/2 inches shorter, and had a smaller tube. I picked Eheim despite the sized based on reputation.

aleonn · 03/09/2011, 02:31 PM

Two Eheim Jagers connected to a controller is the best fail-safe I think. I also like the JBJ Titanium Tru-Temp heaters as well.

cadsfe · 03/09/2011, 02:53 PM

Eheim Jagers or the JBJ Titanium Tru-Temp heater. Both of these are nice. Eheim have a long reputation behind them. The JBJ are newer, they have an awesome controller, and are titanium. So it is kind of take your pick is the way is sounds on here.

acidblondie · 03/09/2011, 03:14 PM

three weeks ago I had a visitherm blow up in my sump. I have 2 corals still struggling but the rest seem to be okay now. So I juess you could say I won't recommend this one.

rocride · 03/09/2011, 03:37 PM

I have two 300w Eheim Jagers for 200g actual water volume,I figure the more watts the less they have to work.And should one fail I have at least 300w working and I was able to snyc them so they pretty much come on together,no controller.Less than half a degree fluctuation.

sneeyatch · 03/09/2011, 03:47 PM

All heaters are crap, plain and simple. Get what you think will be the best for your application and buy a controller. Let the controller control the heaters instead of relying on the heater to do it.

BUT - After returning my Stealths, I'm using Aqueon heaters now. The Aqueon boasts a lifetime warranty, but I also have them hooked up to a Ranco.

JoeRonda · 03/09/2011, 07:11 PM

Aqueon are kind of like generic heaters. When you buy a kit you get that type of equip. Why would you trust the well being of your tank and risk the total loss of your investment to a piece of crap like that? .....Just a thought.

TellyFish · 03/09/2011, 07:15 PM

1 Eheim Jager on a Ranco Controller + another Eheim Jager on my neptune controller = relative safety

03/09/2011, 01:50 AM	#1
grizwalt333 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 113	What Heater to Buy? Ok Reef Central, I am setting up a new display and I am going to buy the Heater(s) soon. It is a 40g Breeder with a 20 L sump and I would like to have redundant heaters, controlled by my Reef Keeper. I have had Stealth's in the past but I seemed to burn them out fast and they over heat on their way out. I have a Hydor in my display now but am thinking of a Azoo or Won Brothers Titanium elements. Would a single 100w element cover a 40g Breeder w 60g Total System Volume? What is the rule of thumb here? (2.5w per Gallon I don't know?) Let me know. c.

03/09/2011, 06:28 AM	#7
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	my eheim jager runs below the temp it's set at. Get a controller. __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/09/2011, 06:48 AM	#9
Korrine You could get a ticket!! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Upper midwest Posts: 4,288 Blog Entries: 1	I'm just saying don't rely on any brand in particular because not all heaters are made perfectly. Don't install a new heater when you won't be around to keep an eye on it and run it on a controller. I bought a RKL, which I'll install in a week or two after I have the great joy of moving the tank around, do painting, plumbing and adding more rock __________________ Try to keep in mind that we are all human...mistakes do happen! Be kinder than necessary because every one you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Current Tank Info: 40 breeder - started 9/2011 - platinum perc and sanjay's black photon clownfishes; sps and lps, and soft corals; 250w MH, 20 long sump w Bubble Magus Nac 3.5 skimmer 12g nano cube -serpent star, mini carpet anemones, w 6 sexy shrimp, 150w MH, maxi je

03/09/2011, 02:04 PM	#14
solitude127 Proud user of IO Salt! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 9,136	The only downfall I've found with Jagers is that the seem to be longer than other glass heaters with comparable watts. __________________ Mike <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ <)))>{ ReefKeeping.com TOTM Nov 2012 Socalireefs Featured Reef Oct 2011 Current Tank Info: 603020, 8x54 ATI Powermodule, ReefBrite XHO, ATB Elegance 200, Aquamaxx CTech CaRx, Ecotech Vortechs, Apex Controls, WM Ecobak powered. RedSea Reefer 170, MP10, Apex Jr, Ecotech Radion XR15, Aquamaxx WS-1

03/09/2011, 03:14 PM	#18
acidblondie Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Lino Lakes Posts: 132	three weeks ago I had a visitherm blow up in my sump. I have 2 corals still struggling but the rest seem to be okay now. So I juess you could say I won't recommend this one. __________________ I'm not at home so I can try this Current Tank Info: A big glass box with a bunch of gizmos and wires

03/09/2011, 02:52 AM	#2
needmore-reef Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 425	I use two Jager Ebo with my Neptune Jr. they seem good. I would use two 50watt small heaters.

03/09/2011, 02:58 AM	#3
Ninjapotamus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: San Jose Posts: 246	titanium 4 me

03/09/2011, 05:09 AM	#4
pmrossetti Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Cali. Posts: 3,199	JBJ true temp titanium heater. see it on BulkReefSupplyCom youtube channel

03/09/2011, 05:33 AM	#5
reeferlover Moved On Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Urbana, rockford Posts: 647	Get a titanium heater with a controller

03/09/2011, 05:42 AM	#6
Midnightsun Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 311	If you want the most reliable bar none, Eheim Jager.

03/09/2011, 11:01 AM	#10
gweston Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Gardner, MA Posts: 961	I replaced all my recalled Stealth Pro's with Fluval E's recently. So far I really like it. Rock steady temperature (within 0.5 degrees). They are pricey however. I monitor with an Apex controller, but let the Fluval E keep the temp in check rather than the controller turning on/off the heater. I set a temperature threshold so if by chance the temp does get above a certain range, it will cut power to the heater and send me an alert. If the temp drops below a certain range, it will also send me an alert. Supposedly the Fluval E monitors itself, and will shut itself off if problems are detected to prevent a stuck on condition. If the heating element is having trouble keeping it at the set temp, it will also flash a warning on it's LED screen. So far my opinion is positive, but it has only been just over a week roughly since I have been using it.

03/09/2011, 01:08 PM	#12
JoeRonda Made in the U.S.A. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Washington,PA Posts: 694	Eheim Jager is a very good heater, that is what I use in my S.W. tank.

03/09/2011, 01:36 PM	#13
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	I have two 200 W Eheim Jager's on my 120g, big plus on some of the others out there is they are fully submersable. They heated the water to 78 in about 8 to 9 hrs from around 68.

03/09/2011, 02:31 PM	#16
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Two Eheim Jagers connected to a controller is the best fail-safe I think. I also like the JBJ Titanium Tru-Temp heaters as well.

03/09/2011, 02:53 PM	#17
cadsfe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Arlington, WI Posts: 24	Eheim Jagers or the JBJ Titanium Tru-Temp heater. Both of these are nice. Eheim have a long reputation behind them. The JBJ are newer, they have an awesome controller, and are titanium. So it is kind of take your pick is the way is sounds on here.

03/09/2011, 03:37 PM	#19
rocride Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 162	I have two 300w Eheim Jagers for 200g actual water volume,I figure the more watts the less they have to work.And should one fail I have at least 300w working and I was able to snyc them so they pretty much come on together,no controller.Less than half a degree fluctuation. __________________ 120g mixed

03/09/2011, 03:47 PM	#20
sneeyatch Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 1,312	All heaters are crap, plain and simple. Get what you think will be the best for your application and buy a controller. Let the controller control the heaters instead of relying on the heater to do it. BUT - After returning my Stealths, I'm using Aqueon heaters now. The Aqueon boasts a lifetime warranty, but I also have them hooked up to a Ranco. __________________ - Todd It's often the saddest of us working our hardest to make everyone laugh Current Tank Info: Tankless

03/09/2011, 07:11 PM	#21
JoeRonda Made in the U.S.A. Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Washington,PA Posts: 694	Aqueon are kind of like generic heaters. When you buy a kit you get that type of equip. Why would you trust the well being of your tank and risk the total loss of your investment to a piece of crap like that? .....Just a thought.

03/09/2011, 07:15 PM	#22
TellyFish Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicago 60607 Posts: 1,130	1 Eheim Jager on a Ranco Controller + another Eheim Jager on my neptune controller = relative safety __________________ ...and life spirals into astonishing diversity. Current Tank Info: Hawaiian inspired 109g Miracles Rimless - 100g Prop Tank - 300g total system volume

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
What heater to buy?	nighttimenick	Nashville Area Reefers	2	05/02/2008 02:24 PM
Which heater to buy?	customdusty	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	84	02/14/2008 09:32 PM
What heater to buy????	Radicaljbr	Reef Discussion	26	09/18/2006 06:42 PM
Which is the best heater to buy?	CyberGuy	Reef Discussion	6	09/13/2006 10:51 AM
What Heater to buy-suggestions, exp needed	Meisen	Lighting, Filtration & Other Equipment	3	09/02/2006 12:02 PM