Questions about heater in sump

[JosephM]

I’m planning a 29gal reef tank with 20 long for sump. I have a refuge in the sump about 14 in long so I was planning on putting a 150w aqueon pro in there (12.75 in). Is 150w enough for the combined water volume and they are okay running sideways right? Thank you!

 

[windemerejack]

Most heaters can run sideways, it usually says on the instructions if it has to be upright.
Me personally would run 2 100w heaters on a controller purely for redundancy so if one stops working you have still got one providing heat.

 

[sunken3]

they are rated for up to 55gallons, so unless your house gets really cold, you should be ok. yes you can place them sideways

 

[Orm Embar]

Always use heaters on a controller (InkBird for cheap, Ranco for high end; there are other options as well). Heaters sticking in the "on" position and wiping a tank are a more common cause of tank disasters. I like Eheim Jager as a brand, but I don't think that any heater brand is reliable enough to use without a controller.

 

[homer1475]

Most heaters can run sideways, it usually says on the instructions if it has to be upright.
Me personally would run 2 100w heaters on a controller purely for redundancy so if one stops working you have still got one providing heat.

+1000

Always use heaters on a controller (InkBird for cheap, Ranco for high end; there are other options as well). Heaters sticking in the "on" position and wiping a tank are a more common cause of tank disasters. I like Eheim Jager as a brand, but I don't think that any heater brand is reliable enough to use without a controller.

+2000

Heaters are the most unreliable piece of equipment we run. Always have a backup, and always run them on some sort of controller.

 

[JosephM]

Thank you all for all of that information. I will get two 100w and the ink bird controller!

 

[windemerejack]

Thank you all for all of that information. I will get two 100w and the ink bird controller!

you wont regret it, and you have peace of mind.

 

[JosephM]

Always use heaters on a controller (InkBird for cheap, Ranco for high end; there are other options as well). Heaters sticking in the "on" position and wiping a tank are a more common cause of tank disasters. I like Eheim Jager as a brand, but I don't think that any heater brand is reliable enough to use without a controller.

I just looked up the ink bird. If I’m getting that do I need to get another thermometer as well? Maybe basic floating one to ensure accuracy?

 

[JosephM]

you wont regret it, and you have peace of mind.

I don’t want to start a new thread for this but can I place a surge protector in the cabinet above my sump or does it pose a risk due to evaporation?

 

[windemerejack]

Im not an electrician so my answer would at best be a guess so best ask an electrician about that one.
Nothing wrong with starting a new thread, you might get an answer quicker