Heater education and recommendations?

[Mark_C]

DANGER! RAMBLING POST!

So, with summer approaching I've decided to focus my concerns on heating my tank (it's like I'm from Bizzarro world).

Recent winter state:

Leftover heaters build. I thought - One 200W and two 150W heaters, all adjustable, they'll all monitor each other, prevent each other from getting out of control, and keep everything in a happy and productive state. I thought that these 3 heaters set at 79 would keep the tank level. If any one overheated, the others would shut off with the temperature rise. If any one failed, the other two would buffer the temperature drop.
Just like the executive, judicial, and legislative branches!
This was very stable. temperature stayed between 78-79.5 for a few months with no concerns or adjustments.
I may have to pen an instructional note to the govt...

It sounds reasonable and seemed to work well... was it valid or dangerous and, if dangerous, why?


Current state for summer:

House AC set to 78F, a 4 unit fan on water surface, one 300W heater (glass) in sump. I'm seeing fluctuations here from 77-80.5


Considered state 1:

Temp controller with 300W titanium filament. Controller set to 78. AC and fan on in summer.


Thought:

If using a temperature controller, wouldn't it be better to use it with a glass tube with a built in temp setting? That way if the controller goes nuts you can at least have a backup for max temperature setting.
Saying that, wouldn't an ultimate setup be 2 controllers with 2 quality glass heaters (all set to 78)?


Any opinions on above practices and recommendations appreciated. Also, would appreciate any feedback regarding experiences with temperature controllers, if you feel thats the way I should go.

Thanks much,

Mark

 

[redfishbluefish]

Mark, I appologize, I'm not familiar with your setup. So I'm going to assume since you're talking about a temperature controller, you don't have a controller for your tank (Apex, Reef Angel, ReefKeeper, etc).


That being the case, YOU NEED A TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER. Any heater will eventually fail, and the most dangerous failure is "STOCK ON," where you cook your tank. Back in the 80's I ended up cooking a freshwater tank that housed the baby tiger barbs I was raising....about 300 fish. I now have a tank controller (ReefKeeper) that controls everything, including my heaters. But if I didn't have this controller, I'd be using a Ranco temperature controller. They are an industry standard and have the ability to control a bunch of heaters. Look into picking up a single channel Ranco (or dual channel if you want to run a chiller as well).

 

[Junk2]

I'm in the same boat and have been getting by without a controller. The complications of a controller scare the heck out of me, but I guess I need to learn. I'm going to look for something relatively simple that only turns lights on/off, controls heaters and that's it.

 

[horseplay]

A controller is a great investment. Reefkeepers are very inexpensive used and can do other things as well.

Question for those in the hobby a long time. How reliable are these controllers long term? For example temp probe can go bad etc ... I have the heater itself set to a higher temp than the controller so basically the heater is always in the "ON" state. I suspect the heater's own controller is already dead because of this.

 

[trivan]

A controller is a great investment. Reefkeepers are very inexpensive used and can do other things as well.

Question for those in the hobby a long time. How reliable are these controllers long term? For example temp probe can go bad etc ... I have the heater itself set to a higher temp than the controller so basically the heater is always in the "ON" state. I suspect the heater's own controller is already dead because of this.

I've been running my Apex for probably close to 4 years w/o issue, any issue was user error. Given that the temp probe is isolated and not part of the heater in my opinion there is less to go wrong and you can set alerts to let you know if the temp goes above or below specific temps. The added benefit of having the temp setting on the heater itself is a good back up as well. If you are really worried, it's very simple to add a back up temp probe as well.

 

[Mark...]

When you think about the money you have in your tank, a few hundred dollar controller is great insurance against a heater designed to eventually fail. Plus they are a fun toy. Apex support is top notch in case you run into problems.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Question for those in the hobby a long time. How reliable are these controllers long term? For example temp probe can go bad etc ... ........

I believe the most reliable temperature probe is a thermistor.....it looks like a little bead sealed in plastic/rubber at the end of a wire. The ones made with the glass frit (looks similar to a pH probe) can clog with precipitate and become unreliable.

 

[horseplay]

I believe the most reliable temperature probe is a thermistor.....it looks like a little bead sealed in plastic/rubber at the end of a wire. The ones made with the glass frit (looks similar to a pH probe) can clog with precipitate and become unreliable.

I have one of these thermistor that came with a multimeter.

In general I adjust heater size seasonally so as not to cook the inhabitant. In summer I'll put a 100 watt heater in my 180 total volumn system and in winter it will be an additional 300w. And I can monitor thru Apex Fusion when I am away.

 

[Mark_C]

Thanks all. Well, I don't believe I need a controller right now as all of the equipment I have is automated and none of it is crucial to my being in touch with it. But, I did however buy a small heater controller to get things started with and will eventually look into wiring up a two channel Ranco (thanks Paul) for a heater and fan combo.

This is the one I bought for the time being.

I also bought one of these. I'm telling the wife it came free with the heater.

 

[Hockeynut]

Mark I have a RKL with the temp thermistor like Paul has mentioned I'm getting rid of it soon (cheap) let me know if you are interested


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[Hockeynut]

Ah you just posted the temp controller I would have given you the RKL for that much send it back


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[Mark_C]

Roger that. Was able to cancel as I just ordered it an hour ago.