Heater head-scratcher

[Lurch72]

So my 350 Reefer(91 gallon) is busy cycling away. I am having a heating issue though. I used BRS's suggested sizing for my tank which is listed as 200w. I decided to have two heaters so I went with twin Jager 125's for 250 watts total. I am aiming for 78 degrees. However, 77 is the best they will do and they are on constantly try for that last degree. The tank has been filled and running for 72 hours or so and within 24 hours it was at 77 read by a Thermapen, so I doubt more waiting will help. The room is always around 71 degrees. Should this be enough wattage for my tank?

 

[Mjl714]

Sure appears to be plenty of wattage to raise temp 7 degrees. I’d wait and watch a little longer, perhaps heaters are defective.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Did you calibrate the dial on the Jager, or are you using a controller?

Two 125's should do it.

If you're not running a controller, I'd highly suggest you do, even if it's a stand-alone, such as an InkBird or Ranco.

 

[Lurch72]

Did you calibrate the dial on the Jager, or are you using a controller?

Two 125's should do it.

If you're not running a controller, I'd highly suggest you do, even if it's a stand-alone, such as an InkBird or Ranco.

I will be getting an Inkbird controller, ordering it later today. I haven't calibrated the rings yet as they haven't came to temp yet and shut off for me to move the ring to the proper spot. I've been checking over the last 24 hours and they are constantly on. I set them to 80 just to be sure they weren't shutting off and I was just missing it.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Are you running a sump as well? and if so, how many gallons?

 

[Lurch72]

Are you running a sump as well? and if so, how many gallons?

Sump is listed as 18 gallons, Tank 73, so 91 total. Heaters are in the sump.

 

[redfishbluefish]

With the heaters still in the sump....do not take them out when they are hot.....touch the lower portion to see if they are hot/warm....with the little red light on. If the light is on, you should be able to feel the heat.

 

[Lurch72]

With the heaters still in the sump....do not take them out when they are hot.....touch the lower portion to see if they are hot/warm....with the little red light on. If the light is on, you should be able to feel the heat.

Both lights are on, both are warm.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Ok. Let's try this.....since there is nothing in the DT, turn off the return pump and see if the sump volume can get up to temperature.

 

[Jay Z]

You should be on for the wattage. I have a single 200 watt in my sump for 81 gallons total. House stays at 68-70 all year round.

Any pictures on where and how they are mounted?

 

[Lurch72]

Ok. Let's try this.....since there is nothing in the DT, turn off the return pump and see if the sump volume can get up to temperature.

Okay, I turned off the sump and 10 minutes later it measured 79 degrees.

 

[Lurch72]

You should be on for the wattage. I have a single 200 watt in my sump for 81 gallons total. House stays at 68-70 all year round.

Any pictures on where and how they are mounted?

This one is in my refugium and the other is directly on the other side with the skimmer.

 

[Lurch72]

Sorry, here's the pic.

 

[Lurch72]

Just to see if it matters I moved the second heater to the rear of the skimmer chamber and moved the refugium heater up a bit so it is more central to the flow. Space is limited in my sump, will the heater damage the skimmer or itself if they touch?

 

[Lurch72]

Well, I figured it wouldn't matter but moving the heaters worked. DT was up to 78 within 20 minutes. Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

[Jay Z]

Glad you got it figured out. I was curious if they were in the same chamber.