I run 3 titanium finnex heaters. 2 300w are on a 12 hour on and 12 hour off schedule on opposite times. those are controlled by its own controllers, which are then plugged into my apex. my 500w is basically a back up in case any fail, which is off but plugged into my apex as well.
I also use 2 smaller heaters rather than one large one. I also use the ink bird wifi model so i get a notification to my phone. I have it gonnected to a wifi power strip so i can turn them off no matter where i amHeres my redundancy system / failsafe (ha!) method for protection…
Instead of a 200-250w in my current system I have 2x 150w.
#1 is connected to an Inkbird controller.
Controller is set to 78, as is the heater itself.
#2 is in sump, also set at 78.
So…
If #1 tries to stick ‘on’ it has the inkbird backup to shut it down.
If #2 tries to stick on, it can go nuts, as #1 will shut off on it own or via inkbird.
If both try to stick on, the inkbird will shut off #1.
Neither heater is strong enough on its own to overheat the tank, even at full force, so I have time to realize and correct.
If there is a heater fail, the other heater should keep the tank warm enough till I realize and correct.
Only bad scenario is both heaters failing simultaneously, which is probably very rare at best.
Sure, theres added expense buying 2 heaters and an inkbird but I’ve never had a concern regarding heaters in my tanks.