Heater malfunction.. What now

[Kraz3d]

Heater decided to not stop heating today. The tank is now up to 86 degrees. What should i do now. I already through the heater across the room. I have another tank setup should i move things over to that or should i just sit back and hope and prey.
BTW i have a bunch of soft coral and 3 fish in there

 

[xinumaster]

Just remove it. You don't need heater at this time of the year.

 

[BrianBell1974]

You should buy a temp controller. I bought a Rinco off ebay for 50 or 60 dollars. It will cut the power to the heater off when the tank gets to the temp you set the controller at.
I have heard many stories of heaters breaking and high temps damaging and killing reefs.

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

do not switch tanks just let the water cool on it's own. most soft corals are strong enough to make it through it. better to have the temp drop slowly rather than a big change

 

[BrianBell1974]

Sorry my controller is a ranco not rinco

 

[unimike]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7372934#post7372934 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xinumaster
Just remove it. You don't need heater at this time of the year.

That leads me to a question, if the heater is removed since considering I live in Los Angeles area and it DOES get VERY HOT during this time of year so it is wise to keep the heater unplugged and plug back it in at night or temperture controller will be a better idea ?

 

[kau_cinta_ku]

temp controller will be a better idea cause even at night your heater can still stick on.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

I have 3 heaters in my system. I take one out in the summer
Any one heater can stick on & not overheat my tank

86 is not bad, I've had mine hit 86 without a worry
Controller is a good idea, dual controller that will kick on fans or a chiller is a better idea

 

[unimike]

Thanks, I will have a look into that and will have to add it to the list as top priority.

 

[BrianBell1974]

IME the controller is a better idea.
YOu plug the heater in at night and the thermostat on the heater sticks you could still over heat your tank.
To me it is a good peace of mind having it there. I have an alarm on my system if the temp get to high it will sound just incase the controller breaks.
With your 30 gallon the water will heat quickly

 

[Kraz3d]

looks like i will be getting a tempature controller. 60$ isnt bad at all the heater theat went was almost that much

 

[Sk8r]

A fan will keep your tank cool by blowing over the surface of the sump; the heater will heat it at night when the temperature falls. You can never believe the heater's own thermostat. Get two thermometers, because one of them may be lying. And if you can balance the daytime heating with the fan and the nighttime cooling by a few degrees of heating, you'll reach an equilibrium. I fought it for two and a half months before I got it to balance out. It took tinkering and adjustment. There are, indeed, controllers that take the guesswork out and provide some safety. I offer mine as a cheaper alternative.