New Reefer 170 build, 2 100w heaters?

[4Runner2003]

I am upgrading from a JBJ 28G nano to a Reefer 170. I currently have a Colbalt neo-therm 100W connected to an Apex controller. Would I be better to purchase a 150-200w heater or put two 100w Cobalt's in the Reefer 170? I like the idea of the redundancy. I was thinking of keeping one in the sump and one in the return, each on their own Apex switch. I love the profile of the neo-therm and my 100w has been perfect (bought August 2016). But I am nervous about the 150/200w Cobalts and some of the posts I've read.

Thanks for any recommendations and advice!!

Scott

 

[ktownhero]

I use 2x200w heaters on my Reefer 425XL and I wouldn't have it any other way. I really like it.

What I do is put them both on their own outlet. I put the heaters' built-in thermostats up a few degrees higher than what the Apex will control them at, just as a fail-safe. I then set them up such that one heater comes on 0.1 degree (F) lower than the other. This way, most of the time I only need 1 heater, but if the first one struggles to keep up, then the second one comes on and helps out until the temp is brought back up to my max.

To be specific, this is how mine are set (Eheim Jagers):

- Both have their built-in thermostats set to about 82 degrees
- Heater one comes on at 77.5 degrees (Apex)
- Heater two comes on at 77.4 degrees (Apex)
- Both heaters go off at 79.5 degrees (Apex)

I really feel this is the best way to do it.

 

[4Runner2003]

I use 2x200w heaters on my Reefer 425XL and I wouldn't have it any other way. I really like it.

What I do is put them both on their own outlet. I put the heaters' built-in thermostats up a few degrees higher than what the Apex will control them at, just as a fail-safe. I then set them up such that one heater comes on 0.1 degree (F) lower than the other. This way, most of the time I only need 1 heater, but if the first one struggles to keep up, then the second one comes on and helps out until the temp is brought back up to my max.

To be specific, this is how mine are set (Eheim Jagers):

- Both have their built-in thermostats set to about 82 degrees
- Heater one comes on at 77.5 degrees (Apex)
- Heater two comes on at 77.4 degrees (Apex)
- Both heaters go off at 79.5 degrees (Apex)

I really feel this is the best way to do it.

Thanks for the input. I really like that setup.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[solitude127]

what's the ambient temp of the room the tank is in? I have a 125w eheim on my RedSea Reefer 170 and it keeps up with no issues.

 

[2000se]

Heck - I running 2-50 watt heaters in my 250.
Ambient air temp around 70

 

[4Runner2003]

what's the ambient temp of the room the tank is in? I have a 125w eheim on my RedSea Reefer 170 and it keeps up with no issues.

Currently, at night 65, daytime 68 - 70 degrees. I do like the redundancy. With the Atlanta weather it can change.

And as I write this, I see the UPS dude coming to my door with my new skimmer. Getting this new tank is like Christmas :rollface:

 

[solitude127]

Currently, at night 65, daytime 68 - 70 degrees. I do like the redundancy. With the Atlanta weather it can change.

And as I write this, I see the UPS dude coming to my door with my new skimmer. Getting this new tank is like Christmas :rollface:

Congrats on the new toys.
Will you be using a controller to turn on/off these heaters? If so, will you be having them run at the same time?
It definitely can't hurt to have redundant heaters.

 

[4Runner2003]

Congrats on the new toys.
Will you be using a controller to turn on/off these heaters? If so, will you be having them run at the same time?
It definitely can't hurt to have redundant heaters.

I will have them both on my Apex. I think I will set it up like ktownhero has theirs. I really don't want them running at the same time unless really needed.

 

[mlew]

If you're primarily after redundancy, consider running the designated backup heater off of the Apex. That way if the Apex should fail (not that uncommon), it will only take one heater with it. The neotherms are supposedly very accurate on their own, but you'd still want to calibrate for any temp difference between controller and heater.

Paranoid me says to use a reliable, independent temp controller for the back up heater.

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[Hentz]

I just have 2 100w heaters from Eheim plugged into my Apex. It's set to never go below 79.5 or over 80.0. Of course room temp sits about 73-75. Makes it easy to keep very stable.