what are you using for a heater on the big tanks?

[giants4pc]

I will soon be upgrading to about 250 total gallons of water. I currently run a 500 watt heater with my ACJR controller. I fear it may not be large enough when I upgrade. Are you using one (like 1000 watts) or two? I don't know if it's ok to run two since I don't have an extra spot on my 8 outlet protector with my ACJR. Thanks - this is probably a stupid question.

 

[elFloyd]

Not a stupid question... I'm tagging on for the discussion. On my current set up I wired two heaters together (they both come on at the same time) so I can use only one outlet.

 

[giants4pc]

I wonder if buying one of those adapters that allows you to plug two pieces of equipment into it would work? I just don't know about the ability of the controller to regulate two heaters.

 

[elFloyd]

The adaptor will work technically... But don't know maximum wattage suggested per outlet.

 

[dkanka]

I use 3x 175 metal halides and a 200 watt heater for my 180g with a 50g sump.

 

[slief]

No heaters on my tank. My pumps (reeflo hammerhead and reeflo dart) along with my UV seem to handle that just fine. I would say my pair of 400 watt halides too but the tank doesnt cool down at when they are off and the space above the lights is huge with a 12" duct fan removing the heat and venting the heat outside. What I do need and use is the chiller. You might find you dont need a heater either depending on what pumps you run. My system is around 550-600 total gallons.

 

[maik1]

I will be using 2x800watt Finnex Titanium heaters for my new 300 gallon tank which will be controlled by my Apex controller. The Apex controller has to use the socket expansion module because of the draw of the heaters 9.0amp each. Total of 18 amps which means a 20amp dedicated breaker from the fuse panel to the tank just for the heater/chiller.

Maik1

 

[elFloyd]

maik1... What temperature do you normally keep in the room housing your aquarium? I'm sure the ambient temperture effects the heating you need. Where I live in the southeast US it is cooling that I am most concerned with for about seven months per year.

 

[maik1]

Canada, HEAT for 9 month! I keep it at 72 in the room but the tank may fall to 76 before the heaters come on, normal tank temperature is 77.5.

Maik1

 

[elFloyd]

Normally keep the room at 68 (wife freezes me out), and use the Apex Seasonal Table... temps in tank run 75 in winter to 80 in summer. That's with my 90g tank... not sure what to expect with my upcoming 300g system.

 

[on the spot]

I will soon be upgrading to about 250 total gallons of water. I currently run a 500 watt heater with my ACJR controller. I fear it may not be large enough when I upgrade...

There are more than a few people that have switched to a hydronic system using the water heater. Natural gas (here anyway) is cheaper than electric. Not efficient, just cheaper.

 

[koby325]

I have a 300 on a 75 and can struggle in the winter to keep my tank at 78

 

[caliking]

I use two 500 watt Titanium heaters with one JbJ controller.
I visited and spoke to Steve over at JBJ and he informed me the new controllers have a higher amperage draw capability to handle the two 500 watt heaters. my temp stays steady between 77.6 - 78 in my 240 gallon DT.