Apex Controller with 2 heaters?

lyrical · Mar 14, 2015

So I am getting a 180g tank with 55g sump and do not want to run the risk on one large heater cooking my tank... so I am looking at getting an Apex Controller. However, I was still thinking about getting two smaller heaters being controlled by the Apex for double redundancy. Would this work? Would you just plug them in and set them up exactly the same?

Excuse the newbie question. I've had plenty of tanks before, but never an advanced controller system.

Thank you

Jimbo662 · Mar 14, 2015

This is what I did on my tank. I would get two large heaters so that one would be able to manage the tank in case the other did fail. yes, just plug both in and program them the same...that's what I did.

JOKER · Mar 14, 2015

I set mine up with one a little lower than the other to where both are only on if really needed. Saves a little power.

lyrical · Mar 15, 2015

Thanks

So basically the answer would be yes you can plug two into the Apex and control them with only one heat probe in the water?

bneufelder · Mar 15, 2015

You only need one probe. The logic just asks for the temp so you could have as many heaters as you have available EB spots. I have two smaller ones in order to fit in my sump.

lyrical · Mar 15, 2015

Awesome thank you

rayn · Mar 15, 2015

Did the same thing. With one small change. I ran a expansion outlet. This turns one controlled outlet into two, but only takes up one outlet on the apex for control.

tcarter1936 · Mar 15, 2015

I just used two heaters in my 180.I have a 400 watt and a 300 watt.controlled by my apex.I set both heaters via thermostat.just above my apex set point. The only reason for two is I like too open up house in winter.living in central Florida. And if one heater dies there is a backup.both heaters ensures I don't kill my tank to rapid temp drop.also remember you can set alarms to your phone if your temp gets above or below your setpoint

redfishbluefish · Mar 15, 2015

I would highly recommend an expansion socket to run your two heaters. I'm not familiar with Apex, considering I have a Reefkeeper, and don't know if Apex suppies an expansion socket. It simply is two outlets with two plugs coming off the unit. One plug (the fatter one) gets plugged directly into an outlet, while the other plug (the thinner one) gets plugged into a "controlable" outlet. The issue with heaters, especially big wattage heaters, is that they draw quite a bit of juice, and the PC8's (or whatever Apex calls it's controllable outlets), can't take that draw. This expansion outlet can since it has it's own dedicated power source.

tcarter1936 · Mar 15, 2015

redfishbluefish said:
I would highly recommend an expansion socket to run your two heaters. I'm not familiar with Apex, considering I have a Reefkeeper, and don't know if Apex suppies an expansion socket. It simply is two outlets with two plugs coming off the unit. One plug (the fatter one) gets plugged directly into an outlet, while the other plug (the thinner one) gets plugged into a "controlable" outlet. The issue with heaters, especially big wattage heaters, is that they draw quite a bit of juice, and the PC8's (or whatever Apex calls it's controllable outlets), can't take that draw. This expansion outlet can since it has it's own dedicated power source.

noted however the apex energy bar 8 has six 5 amp outlets and two 10 amp outlets. I utilized these outlets.it is good advise not to overload any high voltage device. Also note that I installed a dedicated 20 amp gfi circuit to my aquarium.we tempt fate all the time mixing water with electricity so everyone should always do there research and be safe with this hobby.

tcarter1936 · Mar 15, 2015

Also a 400 watt heater should draw about 3.3 amps

rayn · Mar 15, 2015

Rememebr the expansion outlet only take one outlet from the apex, leaving room for other items to be plugged in.

msderganc · Mar 15, 2015

If you have the room, I'd use two outlets. That way you can stagger the heaters instead of turning both on at the same time.

JOKER · Mar 15, 2015

Only thing with the expansion if that plug dies you lose all heat. As msderganc says also can stagger because my tank only uses the second heater if it is really cool in the house.

Windy · Mar 15, 2015

I use two 300 watt heaters and a multi-outlet extension cord connected to the #4 outlet on my APEX.

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reiters · Mar 17, 2015

I run two heaters set at 80 degrees and have the controller cut them off at 79.5. My reasoning is that when a heater fails it's usually in the on position so the controller cuts it off. If the controller socket fails (can happen) it can be either stuck on or off. If it's on then the heaters will raise the temp to 80 and stop on their own. If one heater fails in the off then the other one keeps the tank up until I notice. The only failures I can think of is total controller outage and dont do like me and forget to kill the heaters manually when draining the sump. My cheap heaters didn't last long when not in water.

hart24601 · Mar 17, 2015

I don't see the need for two heaters. I run 1 with my apex, and it shuts off it the heater gets too hot and sends me a text. If the water gets too cold I also get a text and I can pop one of the many heaters I have for WC and QT tanks in there, but I have never needed it.

Reefkids · Mar 17, 2015

Have 2 set up with a reefkeeper. I like that the one works most of the day while the other is set to come on if under 0.2 degree difference. All coordinate with the fans and lights. It theoretically seems like a good idea to protect the second one's longevity in case the first one dies. If someone has had a bad experience with this kind of setup I would like the input.

saltyhog · Mar 17, 2015

I have two and it saved my bacon recently when I was out of town when a heater failed. Mine are set on the thermostat on the heater to 79.5 (by adjustment not by the marks on the heater...they're worthless). The Apex will turn them off if the temp is greater than 82, i.e. if the heater fails in the on position. Mine are in two separate E8 plug ins.

Reefcrazed417 · Mar 27, 2015

hart24601 said:
I don't see the need for two heaters. I run 1 with my apex, and it shuts off it the heater gets too hot and sends me a text. If the water gets too cold I also get a text and I can pop one of the many heaters I have for WC and QT tanks in there, but I have never needed it.

How do you set it to notify you specifically ?