heating large aquariums?

[natep206]

how dose everyone heat there aquariums?

with one huge heater or a few smaller ones?

if one big one please include a link to where i can purchase one for up to 180 gallons

thanks
nate :beer:

 

[nyvp]

I like multi units on a controller. This way one going full on cant hurt tank

 

[natep206]

what kind of a controller?

 

[BONDQ]

I have a single Finnex 800W on a my Aquacontroller 3.

I would strongly recommend using some type of controller, as I have heard of several people boiling their tanks due to heaters Stuck ON.

Some feel it's a good idea to run multiple units that are under-rated for your tank, such that if they do get "stuck on", they are not strong enough individually to over-heat your tank. I prefer the first method.

I have very strong lighting (4 each-400W MH), so my heater hasn't gone on all summer.

 

[Fiziksgeek]

I agree here, a controller is the way to go, and I also prefer multiple smaller heaters. Never trust that built in thermostat that comes with any heater, no matter what brand. They have a proven track record of failing, and the larger the tank gets, the more it hurts when they do fail.

I use a Ranco controller with 2-300W Finnex titanium heaters.

 

[BONDQ]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7801751#post7801751 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Fiziksgeek
I agree here, a controller is the way to go, and I also prefer multiple smaller heaters. Never trust that built in thermostat that comes with any heater, no matter what brand. They have a proven track record of failing, and the larger the tank gets, the more it hurts when they do fail.

I use a Ranco controller with 2-300W Finnex titanium heaters.

I hear the Rancos are very good and reliable.

 

[Crusty Old Shellback]

I to use a controller with a couple of heaters pluged into it. I have a multi controller that runs both my heaters and some fans for when it get's too hot. Which the tank temp was up to 83 yesterday when I got home. Darn heat waves.

 

[8mycash]

I have never run a heater on my system. It is 500 gallons of tank only, another 200+ gallons with refuge, skimmers ect..

The tank never drops below 76 and never goes above 82 even with the heat wave. The 82 was on a record heat wave day of 98 outside with no AC. Forgot to turn it on. 6 x 400 watt halides and 2 x 250 watt halides.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

Medusa controller, multiple heaters.

Also a chiller to be installed as a safeguard
I prefer passive cooling in a cool basement