Advice on heaters

[Willistein]

Looking for suggestions on heaters for my system.

Should I use a controller? Also, I've seen people mount them through the side wall of the sump with a compression fitting, anybody do this?

 

[EllieSuz]

I recommend a controller. I have two heaters in my sump which are controlled by the ReefKeeper Lite. The controller shuts off the electricity to Heater #1 if it gets stuck in the "on" position. Judging by the number of threads I've read, this is not unusual. In the event heater #1 fails to come on, #2 kicks in as it is set at a temperature a couple of degrees below the primary one. The controller displays the current temp of the tank and makes it so easy to keep an eye on it. The controller also keeps my tank cool in Summer by turning on fan(s) when the tank gets too warm.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

heaters on controller is an excellent idea

 

[toddmh]

I recommend a controller. I have two heaters in my sump which are controlled by the ReefKeeper Lite. The controller shuts off the electricity to Heater #1 if it gets stuck in the "on" position. Judging by the number of threads I've read, this is not unusual. In the event heater #1 fails to come on, #2 kicks in as it is set at a temperature a couple of degrees below the primary one. The controller displays the current temp of the tank and makes it so easy to keep an eye on it. The controller also keeps my tank cool in Summer by turning on fan(s) when the tank gets too warm.

Very good idea,the number of tank crashing threads because of bad heaters is staggering

 

[Tonynlo]

RKL is a great investment for a heater controller/light timer. If your tank is overheating, you can set your lights to turn off.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I ran my last set up essentially the same way as Eileen discusses. On and off to set temps with fans on if above desired temp.

 

[Willistein]

What about this guy + a heater and then a second heater set a degree or two lower as backup?

 

[EllieSuz]

There are a few controllers that regulate heaters only. One I've seen discussed frequently is the Ranco. The ReefKeeper Lite is $99.00 and comes with a temperature probe and an strip with four outlets so it will do two heaters and leave you another two outlets for other uses.