Reef Heater and Controller Recommendations

[starreef05]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a heater with controller for my 180 gallon mixed reef tank with 60 gallon sump. I hear it is best to buy two for back up. I am currently saving up for apex but would like to get a decent controller for now. Please recommend and explain why a heater and controller you like. Help me with the process of what heater size for my specific tank.

 

[pecan2phat]

Depends on what your ambient room temp is but I use two 500w titanium tube heaters on a Reef Keeper Lite. You can use an Ink Bird Heater controller also.

 

[mrtian97]

I agree with Reefkeeper Lite, I have been using it for couple yrs with no issue. You can buy them used for low cost.
I am upgrading to Classic Apex but if all you need is temp controller, reefkeeper lite is sufficient.

I used Runco before and it went bad on me in 6 months (bought it new). I even sent it back with no avail. That’s when I switched to reefkeeper

I use 1 Jaeger 300 watt with my 90 gallon system. I think 2 heaters are better but I am running out of room in my sump.

 

[ca1ore]

Ideally, two heaters on independent controllers.