Heater recommendations?

jaxteller007 · Apr 2, 2018

I think I'm going to go away from the current canister set up and move towards an HOB (for now) filter system with a protein skimmer (already have one on the way). The canister system that came with our tank I'm not impressed with and have already had one incident where I spilled a few gallons of water on the floor.

But it currently has some kind of in line I guess heater system (big controller type of thing on the return line) that I'm assuming heats the water as it flows through the system. So if I replace the filter, I'll need to replace the heater as well. The current one is similar to this.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4R97R...t=&hvlocphy=9013195&hvtargid=pla-393701611918

Any recommendations on a new heater set up? It's a 75g tank with live rock and sand. We hope to add coral as we get more experienced. Currently live in middle TN and average temp in the room is probably between 65-70.

Why-Me · Apr 2, 2018

Ink bird heater controller https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/thermostat-temperature-controller-ink-bird.html
Eheim Jager Heater https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-jager-trutemp-aquarium-heater.html

jaxteller007 · Apr 2, 2018

Why-Me said:
Ink bird heater controller https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/thermostat-temperature-controller-ink-bird.html
Eheim Jager Heater https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-jager-trutemp-aquarium-heater.html

Anything similar from marine depot? I have like a $200 credit there lol.

Why-Me · Apr 2, 2018

https://www.marinedepot.com/WON_Brothers-Monitors_Controllers-WB-FITEMO-ct.html
https://www.marinedepot.com/JBJ-Monitors_Controllers-JB-FITETC-ct.html
https://www.marinedepot.com/Aqua_Logic-Monitors_Controllers-AL-FITETC-ct.html
happy reefing

Potatohead · Apr 2, 2018

Why-Me said:
Ink bird heater controller https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/thermostat-temperature-controller-ink-bird.html
Eheim Jager Heater https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-jager-trutemp-aquarium-heater.html

My choice as well

Potatohead · Apr 2, 2018

Buy the controller from Amazon it's only like $40 and save the credit for another day

Why-Me · Apr 2, 2018

^^agreed the ink bird is tested, and most recommended for best budget temperature stability.

SurfLife · Apr 2, 2018

Agree on inkbird as well
This combo was recommended to me and what I went with(I changed the heater size in link for your tank size).

Inkbird - $30.99
https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temp...e=UTF8&qid=1522697105&sr=8-7&keywords=inkbird

Titanium Heater - $43.99
https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Delux...atcorr&keywords=titanium+aquarium+heater&th=1

jaxteller007 · Apr 2, 2018

Thanks everyone. Seems like a canister setup isn't the best option for us and with a good biofilter setup with the live rock and live sand, a protein skimmer (bought off a user here lol) then a HOB filter would be all we need for now. Once we are out of this apartment and into a house we'll look at upgrading and switching to a sump set up I'm sure.

Looks like I'll have some hardware to sell haha. Is there a price check thread? lol.

domination2580 · Apr 2, 2018

I have a finnex heater with controller....has been doing great for the past 2.5 years

Jesterrace · Apr 2, 2018

jaxteller007 said:
Thanks everyone. Seems like a canister setup isn't the best option for us and with a good biofilter setup with the live rock and live sand, a protein skimmer (bought off a user here lol) then a HOB filter would be all we need for now. Once we are out of this apartment and into a house we'll look at upgrading and switching to a sump set up I'm sure.

Looks like I'll have some hardware to sell haha. Is there a price check thread? lol.

Canister filtration is the most labor intensive for marine envionrments. If someone has a healthy system and the canister is working for them, then great, but for most newbies I discourage canister filters since they are the most prone to becoming nitrate factories and are the most difficult to keep cleaned out and are the most prone to leakage (other than maybe an HOB overflow box).

I use an eheim Jager on my 90 gallon and it was a pain in the butt to get dialed in, but once it was set it has been very reliable.