Heating a 230 Gallon Tank

[Hugh Mann]

Looking at buying a heater(s) for my big build here. Suggestions on wattage, running one or more heaters, alternative sources, have heard mention of solar evacuated tubes or something like that

It's a 230 gallon tank, sump should have about 80 gallons. Ambient room temperature stays in the low 60's year round. Unheated basement.

 

[Dbichler]

I run one 300 watt jager on my 210 in my basement in upper 60s takes a while when initially filling to get to temp but handles it fine now. Also have a back up of the same. My bet would be 2 300 with a backup would be good for you.

 

[lapin]

I would go with 2ea 500 watt ti heaters with controllers

 

[Dbichler]

Yes controller is a must for heaters

 

[Hugh Mann]

After I almost cooked my tank, a controller will never not be a thing for me.

Two 500w heaters instead of one 800w, I'm guessing this is for redundancy, or is it also more energy efficient?

 

[piranhaman00]

Yes controller is implied.

I run 1 300watt in my 220 gallon system in basement. It rarely turns on though because it stays warm.

 

[Alchameth]

Have to factor in the split on average house temp vs tank temp. In the winter I have a 13-17 ish deg split because my house is usually around 60-63 deg so I run 2 300W with a 500W as a backup on mine and its about 180G total volume.

 

[reefnfun]

I have a 400 gallon system. The fish room is in the unheated basement. I use metal Halide lighting instead of LED. They generate a ton of heat right into the water. I also have 2 250 watt heaters for when the lights are off. Halides are an alternate option.

 

[Hugh Mann]

Sadly not for me. I have 20" of space above my tank. I believe with MH lights that's either going to be right toasty for the tank, or a fire hazard. It's Leds for me.