Energy Efficiency 1v2 Heaters

Coasterfrk · 02/16/2012, 07:40 PM

Hello, I have an approx 90 gallon system with two 150w heaters presently i have both heaters on and off at same time using a controller, my question would be could I have one heater come on and then if the water temp doesn't come back up or drops lower have the second one turn on. Would this end up using less electric?

Meshmez · 02/16/2012, 07:49 PM

my guess is it would be hard to tell without measuring it. It kinda moves both ways because obviously running only one uses half the power, but if it has to stay on twice as long to get the water to temp, youre back to where you started.

thegrun · 02/16/2012, 07:49 PM

It still takes the same amount of energy to raise a specific volume of water a given amount, so no, it will not save money.

jucario · 04/26/2012, 11:17 AM

Just in terms of saving money, one big is beeter than 2. The heater I use when is not heating uses 4w continously no matter what.

Reefmedic79 · 04/26/2012, 02:29 PM

Without measuring I imagine 2 heaters would have more surface area in contact with water in turn heating the water faster than what one would of comprable wattage.

snulma1 · 04/26/2012, 02:44 PM

Thegrun has it right, specific heat is standard. So it won't matter if you run 2 x 150 or 3 x 100, you will still use the same amount energy. But having 2 vs 1 is a safety mechanism. I always run 2, on 2 separate controllers, that way if one fails and gets stuck on, it won't decimate my system.

02/16/2012, 07:40 PM	#1
Coasterfrk Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 245	Energy Efficiency 1v2 Heaters Hello, I have an approx 90 gallon system with two 150w heaters presently i have both heaters on and off at same time using a controller, my question would be could I have one heater come on and then if the water temp doesn't come back up or drops lower have the second one turn on. Would this end up using less electric?

04/26/2012, 02:29 PM	#5
Reefmedic79 Life and Reef Saver Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tavares, Florida Posts: 6,202	Without measuring I imagine 2 heaters would have more surface area in contact with water in turn heating the water faster than what one would of comprable wattage. __________________ ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º>¸. ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> How much deeper would the ocean be if it didn't have sponges? P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sid Current Tank Info: 40 Breeder, 20L Sump, 10G Fuge, JBJ A.T.O, 4" Reef Octopus, DIY Stand & Canopy, RapidLED Dimmable 36 Kit on 3 6" MakersLED Heatsink, MP10es

02/16/2012, 07:49 PM	#2
Meshmez Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 1,030	my guess is it would be hard to tell without measuring it. It kinda moves both ways because obviously running only one uses half the power, but if it has to stay on twice as long to get the water to temp, youre back to where you started.

02/16/2012, 07:49 PM	#3
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	It still takes the same amount of energy to raise a specific volume of water a given amount, so no, it will not save money.

04/26/2012, 11:17 AM	#4
jucario Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 88	Just in terms of saving money, one big is beeter than 2. The heater I use when is not heating uses 4w continously no matter what.

04/26/2012, 02:44 PM	#6
snulma1 Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: New York, NY Posts: 2,281	Thegrun has it right, specific heat is standard. So it won't matter if you run 2 x 150 or 3 x 100, you will still use the same amount energy. But having 2 vs 1 is a safety mechanism. I always run 2, on 2 separate controllers, that way if one fails and gets stuck on, it won't decimate my system.