Heating issue

Habibi Brizzy · Apr 20, 2021

Hey guys,
I set up a 20gal tank recently. I’m noticing my cobalt heater 75w isn’t heating to the desired temp of 78. I’m running a sicce 1.0 for my return and I have an intank surface skimmer. I was wondering if that has maybe sped up the water flow in my sump to the point that it’s not heating the water properly ? any thoughts?

Pistondog · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
Hey guys,
I set up a 20gal tank recently. I’m noticing my cobalt heater 75w isn’t heating to the desired temp of 78. I’m running a sicce 1.0 for my return and I have an intank surface skimmer. I was wondering if that has maybe sped up the water flow in my sump to the point that it’s not heating the water properly ? any thoughts?

What is the temp reading?
Is the heater on all the time and can't keep up?

Brady4000 · Apr 20, 2021

I can’t see the video, but why not go bigger with the heater? cobalt heater 75w is maxing out at 20g. If you get a cold spike and your heater can’t keep your tank to 78 normally, your going to be in trouble.

I am running a 300w on my Biocube 32g. I left the window open one night, and it dropped my tank from 79 to 76. If I didn’t have that heater I would have probably lost the tank.

As for if the water is “moving to fast” I never heard of that. I always heard you want good flow around your heater.

Jekyl · Apr 20, 2021

2 100w heaters or bigger and a controller would be ideal

Habibi Brizzy · Apr 20, 2021

Pistondog said:
What is the temp reading?
Is the heater on all the time and can't keep up?

yes basically

Jekyl · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
yes basically

Did you make sure that your actual heater is turned up enough? The inkbird can't override the internal settings

Habibi Brizzy · Apr 20, 2021

Jekyl said:
Did you make sure that your actual heater is turned up enough? The inkbird can't override the internal settings

Heater is set to 78, light keeps flash to notches down. Run to the store and grab a heater ASAP?

Pistondog · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
yes basically

As others have said, probably need more watts.
You could buy a 2nd Cobalt, same size and set it to 79.
Then it would be on all the time and the old one would be controlling temp better.

Jekyl · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
Heater is set to 78

Turn it up. The inkbird will regulate it.

Jekyl · Apr 20, 2021

If the internal settings were reliable then controllers would be out of business. I would set it to 81 or 82 and see if it solves your issue

Brady4000 · Apr 20, 2021

Cobalts are expensive....

Orlushy 100W/150W/200W/300W/500W Submersible Aquarium Heater, Fish Tank Heater with Adjustable Temperature and 2 Suction Cups 6ft Power Cord
Just saying... lol

Brady4000 · Apr 20, 2021

Jekyl said:
If the internal settings were reliable then controllers would be out of business. I would set it to 81 or 82 and see if it solves your issue

+1 I have to keep mine at 80 to get 78.

Habibi Brizzy · Apr 20, 2021

Pistondog said:
As others have said, probably need more watts.
You could buy a 2nd Cobalt, same size and set it to 79.
Then it would be on all the time and the old one would be controlling temp better.

I also have another back up from my old tank

Pico bam · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
Heater is set to 78, light keeps flash to notches down. Run to the store and grab a heater ASAP?

Jekyl said:
Turn it up. The inkbird will regulate it.

Like jekyl is saying here most heater arnt very accurate. You can just crank the heater all the way and rely on the inkbird. Due to there internal thermostats not being very affective

Brady4000 · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
I also have another back up from my old tank

I would go with what @Jekyl suggested and get two 100w if one goes out on the wrong night. Coral could die...

Pistondog · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
I also have another back up from my old tank

Put the eheim in, set to 80.
Then the inkbird should control, assuming the Cobalt isn't shutting off.

Habibi Brizzy · Apr 20, 2021

Brady4000 said:
Cobalts are expensive....

Orlushy 100W/150W/200W/300W/500W Submersible Aquarium Heater, Fish Tank Heater with Adjustable Temperature and 2 Suction Cups 6ft Power Cord
Just saying... lol

Thanks for the suggestion

Brady4000 said:
I would go with what @Jekyl suggested and get two 100w if one goes out on the wrong night. Coral could die...

Great idea! Placing an order as we speak.

Habibi Brizzy · Apr 20, 2021

I appreciate your help guys! I’m going to order a few heaters. In the meantime
I cranked the heater and so far it’s going up slowly but surely. I’m going to check on it in the next hour. If it isn’t regulating the temp I’m going to crank it again. If not my next option will be to set the second heater in at a slightly lower temp. Hopefully should suffice till heaters arrive. I will give you guys an update. Happy Reefing Everyone!

Jekyl · Apr 20, 2021

Habibi Brizzy said:
I appreciate your help guys! I’m going to order a few heaters. In the meantime
I cranked the heater and so far it’s going up slowly but surely. I’m going to check on it in the next hour. If it isn’t regulating the temp I’m going to crank it again. If not my next option will be to set the second heater in at a slightly lower temp. Hopefully should suffice till heaters arrive. I will give you guys an update. Happy Reefing Everyone!

I have 2 heaters. One secondary set to 76 to 77. Primary set to 77 to 78