Random Equipment Question Thread

[themummra]

My Aqueon Pro 100w heater and ITC-308 controller arrived and I am working on adjusting them.

The tank, a Biocube 29, sits at 76F with the stock return pump and koralia 1 running. I am aiming for 80F for the stable tank. Should I adjust the controller/heater so that the heater stays on 24/7 or is it preferable to have it turning on/off throughout the day?

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

IF the heater stayed on you would get more than an 80 degree tank.
Heaters are meant to cycle, that's what the controller does along with being extra protection.

 

[Elricsfate]

I don't even really understand this question. You set a heater...any heater...to the temp you want it to maintain. When it reaches that temp it turns off. When the temp drops it turns on. Whether you do this with an external controller or internal thermostat, you still do it.

If you turn it on and left it on 24/7 the water would reach whatever the max temp of the heater is capable of producing in that body of water.

If you'd like to feel this in action, disconnect your home's thermostat and turn your furnace on.

 

[jacksonpt]

Does the heater have a thermostat in it, or are you using the controller for that?

I set the thermostat in my heater for the temp I want the tank to be (in my case, that's 79 degrees). I use the controller to shut off the outlet if the tank gets too hot (I think 82 is where I have it set now). Additionally, if the tank gets too hot or too cold, I have the controller notify me that there is a problem.

 

[themummra]

Ah I didn't realize the heaters turned themselves off without a controller. That clears that question up.


Picked up a Jebao WP-10 today to replace the Koralia 1 which was too big for the BC29. This along with the return pump should be sufficient for flow I think.