heater question

[Cassian]

hello all, so I have to have a 300 W heater for my tank, but I got it in today and it is huge. Its too long to fit in one of the chambers in my sump. can I run two 150 W heaters instead? or three 150 W?

 

[ndrwater]

Absolutely. Actually better off with a couple or three rather than the single. Heaters are the most unreliable piece if equipment we use. Unfortunately, when they fail, it's usually in the on position.
With redundant heaters, you are less likely to have them all fail at the same time giving you time to correct a problem

 

[Cassian]

Absolutely. Actually better off with a couple or three rather than the single. Heaters are the most unreliable piece if equipment we use. Unfortunately, when they fail, it's in the in position.
With redundant heaters, you are less likely to have them all fail at the same time giving you time to correct a problem

thanks!

 

[redfishbluefish]

Fully agree with @ndrwater ...... And better yet, run those heaters through a controller. If you have a fancy-pants contro!!er, like an Apex, that's just fine. Otherwise consider a Ranco or Inkbird to control those heaters. It's peace of mind.

 

[Cassian]

Fully agree with @ndrwater ...... And better yet, run those heaters through a controller. If you have a fancy-pants contro!!er, like an Apex, that's just fine. Otherwise consider a Ranco or Inkbird to control those heaters. It's peace of mind.

thanks! I dont have a controller, but I might check into it. ive just always had really bad experiences with heater/thermometer combos in the past. they always seem to malfunction and over heat or stop heating. (in fact thats what just happened with the heater/thermometer combo I was given thats in my tank right now.) I use the Eheim submersible heaters

 

[NormanB]

What are your thoughts on the Inkbird ITC-306T with the two heater option?

To me that looks like a good controller.

Also, when using something like this what would one set the heater to?

Thanks

 

[ca1ore]

My standard approach has always been to calculate the wattage required for your tank, divide by two and buy three heaters at that value. That way no single stuck on can cook the tank; and no single stuck off can drop it. Keep on at least two independent controllers and replace in rotation one a year. Should eliminate the majority of heater related problems.

I’m not a particular fan of the inkbird, having had two fail. I much prefer the Ranco, though it is not as cheap (double meaning). I do believe inkbird now sells with a better/SW resistant probe, so make sure you go that route.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Yes and two may be an advantage in which should one fail, you have a backup.

 

[Cassian]

ThNk you for the replies everyone. I ended up going with two medium heaters and one larger one. Works great. Super stable temp and I have back up if one goes out. I went with the Eheim submersible heaters. I’ve had great luck with those and never had one go out on me