Heater and Controller Suggestions

[BuffaloReef]

I'm setting up a new system that will be about 120 gallons (92 display + sump). I've had nothing but bad luck with heaters since my first tank. They usually last a couple years and then the thermostats go haywire. I plan on getting some sort of controller which should help reduce the problems a bad heater can cause. So I thought I would ask what everyone would suggest.

First off, I expect I'll need two heaters for that volume. Is that what you would go with or would you have a different suggestion.

Second, what's your preferred brand of heater?

And finally, what controller would you suggest? The last time I ran a reef tank the Aqua Controller Jr was the dominant controller. That being a few years ago I expect something has taken its place.

 

[teamdulski]

I would run two 250 watt Eheim Jagers.

 

[EllieSuz]

For every recommendation you get for one controller, you'll get as many for another one. I use the ReefKeeper Lite made by Digital Aquatics. It was easy to start out with a basic unit and add to it as I could afford to. They also make a ReefKeeper Elite, which is a very good unit. You'll be amazed at how many uses you'll find for a controller. Operating a couple of heaters is just the tip of the iceberg.

 

[roblk]

I used a Ranco ETC-111000 ETC-111-000 Electronic Temperature Control and two two 300 watt Eheim Jagers for my 180, works great temperature constantly stays within 1 deg. You can find the Ranco's for $52 dollars if you do a search and you will need to do some electrical wiring work to connect it to an outlet.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

I would run two 250 watt Eheim Jagers.

good suggestion.

I think I use two 100 watters. Can't remember the brand.. they're old!

I like my AC jr. to control.

 

[BuffaloReef]

I would run two 250 watt Eheim Jagers.

The best heater I've owned was an Eheim Jager. I think I still have it in a tote somewhere. The thermostat went but only in a way that 85 = 80 or something like that.

For every recommendation you get for one controller, you'll get as many for another one. I use the ReefKeeper Lite made by Digital Aquatics. It was easy to start out with a basic unit and add to it as I could afford to. They also make a ReefKeeper Elite, which is a very good unit. You'll be amazed at how many uses you'll find for a controller. Operating a couple of heaters is just the tip of the iceberg.

I've always heard good things about the RC Jr and it seems like the newer controllers are top notch too. I'm trying to decide between the Elite and Lite. Marine Depot has the Elite for $350 and the Lite for $190. Both come with a ph and temperature probe. The Lite package includes one PC-4 and the Elite cones with two. That might be the only difference I'll see. Time to research and decide...

I used a Ranco ETC-111000 ETC-111-000 Electronic Temperature Control and two two 300 watt Eheim Jagers for my 180, works great temperature constantly stays within 1 deg. You can find the Ranco's for $52 dollars if you do a search and you will need to do some electrical wiring work to connect it to an outlet.

That's a great deal for a temp controller but I'd like to have more functionality. Things like ph monitoring will help me sleep easier. If you don't mind messing around with electronics there are a few threads in the DIY forum on building controllers.

good suggestion.

I think I use two 100 watters. Can't remember the brand.. they're old!

I like my AC jr. to control.

As I mentioned above I think I'll be ordering the Reefkeeper Elite or Lite once I research the difference.

You run two 100 watt heaters? That seems awfully low for the volume of your system. Was that a typo or are your pumps and other equipment keeping the temp up?

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

You run two 100 watt heaters? That seems awfully low for the volume of your system. Was that a typo or are your pumps and other equipment keeping the temp up?

No typo. My ambient room temperature is usually between 65F and 80F. Heater overkill is common. 75F-80F is ideal for a reef aquarium... and that's just slightly higher than where a lot of people keep their homes at.
Keeping a reef aquarium cool is usually a bigger problem than heating it IME.

 

[BuffaloReef]

No typo. My ambient room temperature is usually between 65F and 80F. Heater overkill is common. 75F-80F is ideal for a reef aquarium... and that's just slightly higher than where a lot of people keep their homes at.
Keeping a reef aquarium cool is usually a bigger problem than heating it IME.

I agree that cooling is usually the bigger problem. I've never had a system need more than a fan but that will be another thing the controller will be running.

I'm still surprised that two 100 watt heaters handle your system. It looks like your sump is in your basement. It seems like there would be enough evaporation to call for more heat in the winter. I've probably been over doing it on heaters though. I remember one time a quarantine tank got up to about 90!

With the possibility of frag and quarantine tanks I'd like to know if either of these controllers can operate multiple systems. It looks like it's one set of probes per controller. Still researching...