Heater Recommendation

[Deminos]

Hello,

I currently have two Visi-Therm Stealth Heaters in my sump. They are not keeping my temp as constant as I would like and would like some recommendations on what I should get to replace them.

I also have two Jager 250W heaters but they are 17" and do not fit in the compartments of my 30 long sump.

temps range from 73 - 78, both heaters are set at 81.

Thanks,

Jonathan

 

[Paul_PSU]

Tagging along. I need to replace my heaters..

 

[raynist]

Are you using the thermostat's on the actual heaters?

I would never trust those.

You can pickup a used single stage ranco heater controller for about $65 here in the for sale forum on reefcentral.

With this controller you can use basically any heater and feel confident.

--Ray

 

[Deminos]

Thanks for the reply.

So the heaters are liars you say. Well then guess I'm getting a controller.

Also any good reviews of replacement heaters that would be able to heat my system yet not be 17" long?

Thanks,

Jonathan

 

[raynist]

You should be able to keep your current heaters.

I would setup the ranco to turn the heaters on at 77 and off at 78. Then watch what happens when the ranco turns them on. If they don't both light up increase the temp on the heaters thermostat until it comes on. This way you will have double security.

I also think you can find the ranco controllers for about $100 new. You will most likely need to get this online as I haven't seen them locally. I have 2 and I paid $65 shipped for each one from someone selling them on reef central.

---Ray

 

[Deminos]

I have been fighting off the urge to break down and get either a RK or ACjr so I might just bypass the ranco. Maybe.

As for my current heaters they have no visual indication of operation, another reason I'd like to replace them.


Thanks,

Jonathan

 

[raynist]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12912778#post12912778 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Deminos
I have been fighting off the urge to break down and get either a RK or ACjr so I might just bypass the ranco. Maybe.

As for my current heaters they have no visual indication of operation, another reason I'd like to replace them.


Thanks,

Jonathan

Well that stinks!

So what is the max size heater you can have? Can you go with maybe 3 -150 w jaeger heaters? I use them in all of my tanks.

Really though, if you are using a good quality controller you can use any heater effectively. The controller will shut the heater off if it gets stuck.

--Ray

 

[raynist]

Just checked the dimensions, looks like the 200w versions would work:

Specifications
Power Aquarium Size Length
50 W 10-15 Gallons 9"
75 W 15-20 Gallons 10"
100 W 20-30 Gallons 12"
125 W 30-45 Gallons 12"
150 W 40-60 Gallons 13"
200 W 60-90 Gallons 15"
250 W 100-150 Gallons 17"

 

[Deminos]

I was looking at that myself, think 3 of the 150's would be best. Just have to look over my controller options now.

Thanks for the help Ray.



Jonathan

 

[steelpat]

[50posts]