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Dual heater question

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1.6K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  bob123  
C
#1 ·
Hey guys. I'm currently running 2 heaters on my tank. I'm finding finding that one of the heaters is doing all the work as I can't get the set points to match with the dial controls. Has anyone seen or knows where to get a temperature controller locally where I can plug both my heaters in and have 1 thermostat control them? I attached a picture of one I found on Amazon but I would rather see one in person before buying it.

Image
 
#2 ·
How big is the tank? And which heaters are you running?
 
C
#3 ·
It's a 70 gallon tank. I don't remember exactly off hand I'd have to check when I get home but I think they are 200w heaters (I'd have to double. The one heater stays on a majority of the day. Goes off for like 10-15 minutes and holds the temperature steady But I'd like for both of the heaters to share the work instead of having the second one as a back up.
 
#4 ·
My opinion would be to just buy a solid working heater. Don't waste your money on that when all you need is a good single 250w heater that will work when needed. There are countless threads about heaters... lol everyone has their own opinion and which model is best, so just do research and see. I use Aqueon pro's and have been VERY pleased with this new product. Been using for over a year and a half now and not one issue. It holds the temperature I need it to, heats up the aquarium VERY fast, and is a solid product that won't break or leak (it's not made of plastic or glass)
The 250w is good up to 90g and I'm currently running one without any issues.

So save a ton of money by using only one good reliable heater.

Hope this helps!
 
#7 ·
I have this on my freshwater:

http://www.amazon.ca/RANCO-ETC-111000-Digital-Temperature-Control/dp/B0015NV5BE

And this on my reef:

http://www.amazon.ca/Johnson-Controls-Digital-Temperature-Controller/dp/B011VXM2FK/

there are many benefits to using an external controller such as the ones above, even if you only run one heater. having had multiple heaters fail in the "on" position, i will never run one without a controller again.

check local beer brewing places, they usually sell these for use in beer fridges, for fermenting, etc.

usually you will have to waterproof the probe (just get some heat-shrink tubing and it will seal it off nicely)
 
C
#8 ·
Just get a Reef Keeper Light. You set the heaters one degree above your target temp. and set your RKL to the target temp. You can use two outputs ( out of 4) for the two heaters and still have two outputs for something else, like timer for light, pumps or whatever. This way if one of the heater fails in off position, you still have the other working. If one fails in on position, the controller takes care of turning it off.
 
J
#9 · (Edited)
Have you tried placing the heaters in opposite ends of the sump? If you play around with the various thermostat settings and positions you can change things a little bit.
To clarify, what is the actual problem you are having? If one heater stays on more than the other, this in my opinion isn't a problem. It could work to your advantage for backup/redudancy in case one heater fails in the off position or burns out.
If you are trying to close the gap of the high and low temperatures having a reefkeeper will definitely help to close the gap. I used to fluctuate +5 degrees until I bought my reef keeper and now 1.5 degree fluctuation. It also covers your @ss in the event the heater gets stuck in the ON position. Very reassuring. I don't think it is a necessity though. You have two heaters both are functioning. If one goes down you have a backup. I wouldn't waste money on that device you originally posted. Read what DaveBradley posted...

If you are looking to spend some money on your tank and upgrade, a reefkeeper can help you out in more ways than you can imagine but beware, reefkeeper is a gateway drug.

J
 
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