Is 300w heating element overkill for a 40 B ?

[fishbox]

Everything I read says 3-5w per gallon. That's 200W max. Would a 300W Finnex titanium heating element be overkill?

 

[nereefpat]

Yes. I would run two much smaller heaters, especially if you have a sump.

If a 300 watt heater sticks on, it will fry your 40b quickly. Two small ones will help this problem. Also if one quits, you will have a backup.

A controller might help with these issues however, if you already have the heater and want to use it.

 

[fishbox]

Not a heater. A heating element. They cant stick on unless the controller breaks.

 

[jayball]

If a 300 watt heater sticks on, it will fry your 40b quickly.

This is the truth. I have a finnex 300W on my 90 with sump and the temp raises fast when it turns on.

I would go smaller, as stated two very small ones is better than one. I run one because I have my APEX turn off the port when the temp is above 78 so I have my redundancy that way.

 

[fishbox]

recommendations?

 

[thegrun]

I still like two elements, they do quit working, if you have two most likely you would catch it before the tank got too cold. That said assuming your controller doesn't malfunction 300 watts would be okay to use. If you are purchasing a heater or element new I still prefer heaters for the double redundancy over heating elements

 

[fishbox]

Most of what I've read leans away from heaters and towards elements.

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[fishgate]

Yes, it is overkill. But, if you already have it, shouldn't hurt to use it.

 

[fishbox]

I just can't find elements in lower wattage

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[mcgyvr]

I run a 250W on my 40b..
It never really turns on because my room temp is set to tank temp but its there when needed..
I'm running this right now..
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23726

But have been very happy with Aqueon Pro heaters in the past..
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23952
I really like how its not glass... Glass ones always scare me when they get bumped around,etc...

You can still run a heater (with built in temp switch) on a controller (and its highly recommended to do so as the built ins are known to fail).. Just turn the temp on the heater above the desired set point (I got about 5deg over) and let the external controller turn it on/off as needed..

 

[jayball]

I just can't find elements in lower wattage

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http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/finnex-hmo-heater-w-digital-led-controller.html

And use the inline controller as a fail safe. I keep mine set just a hair above where the apex outlet is set in the unlikely event the outlet sticks on.

 

[fishbox]

Cool! Thanks for the links.

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[fishbox]

Should I go with 2 100W

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[Brieninsac]

I have two of those heaters, one for my system and the second I use in my 30-gal trash can. Even though it's higher then what's need for my trash can, I wanted to have a replacement on hand in case my DT heater went out. It's not going to over heat the water, it simply shuts off when the desired temp is reached. The nice thing is it heats the water quickly.

 

[fishbox]

I have two of those heaters, one for my system and the second I use in my 30-gal trash can. Even though it's higher then what's need for my trash can, I wanted to have a replacement on hand in case my DT heater went out. It's not going to over heat the water, it simply shuts off when the desired temp is reached. The nice thing is it heats the water quickly.

Which ones you talking bout

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