Can Apex handle 3 heaters, if so how?

[Ezduzt_nyc]

Still building my new setup list, and checking twice. Current tank and sump combo will be about 120 gallons. I'm thinking of running 2 heaters as mains with one as a backup. I'm also considering the Apex Controller. I believe that I will need a second EB832 for this configuration, and am asking for confirmation, please? FYI, I'm planning on a 2nd EB832, and am planning on splitting them anyway, but want to know if this is required, or optional? Thanks!

 

[lapin]

I have 3. They all have controllers. Those controllers are set to come on at 78.2 Then those are plugged into my apex eb8. I have the apex set to let them come on at 78F When the apex allows them to come on they stay on until 78.4 then shut off. Their own controller lets them heat up 0.2 over, so its not constantly cycling on and off.

 

[Montiman]

The apex should do this just fine. I would think you would only need one 832 but I guess if you have really big heaters you could need 2. The only reason to have 2 832s is if you will use more than 8 plugs or you are going to exceed the 15 amp limit the 832 has. If you ran say 3 300 watt heaters I think you would be fine with amperage. I have run far more wattage than this in halide lighting on one plug of an energy bar so I don’t think the heaters would be an issue.

I would plug all 3 heaters into one plug on the energy bar with a power strip then I would simply set the back up a little higher than the others.

I honestly don’t see the need for 3 heaters that’s just a bit to complicated for me.

All this being said I am in pheonix and can get away with no heater most of the time so have at it.

 

[Breadman03]

The apex should do this just fine. I would think you would only need one 832 but I guess if you have really big heaters you could need 2. The only reason to have 2 832s is if you will use more than 8 plugs or you are going to exceed the 15 amp limit the 832 has. If you ran say 3 300 watt heaters I think you would be fine with amperage. I have run far more wattage than this in halide lighting on one plug of an energy bar so I don’t think the heaters would be an issue.

As long as you stay under 80% of 15 amps, you'll be fine with one EB832. I run three heaters and have them staggered by 0.5 degree, largely because my basement temperature fluctuates quite a bit. In the spring and fall, my 100 watt heater cycles on and off. In the winter, it stays on while a 250 watt heater cycles. On really cold days, a second 250 watt heater runs. I used to run a 1,000 watt heater until I started using foam board insulation around my sump which really cut my heat needs.

 

[trido]

I have three 300w heaters, two return pumps and the skimmer all on one EB832 . I think I saw it running 12 amps once. You will be just fine with that, but in a small tank it's probably one more heater than necessary. I have a 450G system and 250 of it is in an unheated tank room off the back of my house. The lights alone keep the room warm most of the time and the heaters kick in when outside temps are in the 30's.

 

[Ezduzt_nyc]

Thanks all. My reasoning for 3 versus 2 is the length of the heaters. The current sump I'm looking at, Trigger Systems Ruby 36, shows Center/Refugium Section: 12.25″ x 14.5″, and heaters get long at 300 Watts and above. Also, I can't seem to find what the height of the 2nd baffle (refugium) is? I'm not set on 3, just trying to figure this all out!

 

[droyerz]

As long as you stay under 80% of 15 amps, you'll be fine with one EB832. I run three heaters and have them staggered by 0.5 degree, largely because my basement temperature fluctuates quite a bit. In the spring and fall, my 100 watt heater cycles on and off. In the winter, it stays on while a 250 watt heater cycles. On really cold days, a second 250 watt heater runs. I used to run a 1,000 watt heater until I started using foam board insulation around my sump which really cut my heat needs.