Ranco temp controllers

[ALH]

Received my Ranco temp controller today and I have a potentially stupid question. It's a dual input model. I plan to connect a fan to one end. I have 2 300watt heaters. The controller is rated for 500 watts of heaters. Is that extra 100 watts a big deal? Being cautious (especially after a tank fire set my house ablaze 10 years ago) I'm thinking of replacing one of the heaters with a 200 watt model. Would 500 watts be sufficient for a 180 gallon tank? I live in Arizona' desert southwest, so cold is not an issue here. TIA

 

[theredben]

We can't know how much heat your tank needs without some idea of what you keep your tank at, ambient room temp, tank contruction, open top or not, sumps, pumps, etc...

I would not suggest running 600 watts through something recommend for only 500 watts. You could try to borrow a 200w heater from some locals, or a friendly LFS.

Temporarily, I would suggest setting the Ranco controller at your optimal temp, and set the other heater 1-2 degrees lower.