PuffersKick
New member
I posted a couple of days ago about my tank coming down with ick. I think I may have narrowed down my problem and wanted to see if this makes sense.
Whole tank has ICK Part II
- Thread starter PuffersKick
- Start date
PuffersKick
New member
I think the problem is too much temperature differential. I noticed at night the temp. drops down to 75, then during the day it goes up to 79-80. The guy who set up my tank put a 250 watt heater down in the sump. I have it set at 81, but it doesn't even come on when the temp. shows 75!
Where is the optimal location for the heater? And also, since this tank is too big, I was thinking of adding a couple of smaller heaters (maybe 150 watt) inside the tank on each end.
Does this makes sense? Would adding the 2 more heaters be a good idea?
Where is the optimal location for the heater? And also, since this tank is too big, I was thinking of adding a couple of smaller heaters (maybe 150 watt) inside the tank on each end.
Does this makes sense? Would adding the 2 more heaters be a good idea?
Personally, i think most heaters have horrible temp sensors....just my opinion.
For a tank that large i would invest in a temperature controller. Sure it may run $100-$150, but with the amount of $$ invested, it will be great for the inhabitants and your piece of mind.
I'm actually looking into a 150g-180g and am going to buy a multifunctional controller.
Just my two cents
For a tank that large i would invest in a temperature controller. Sure it may run $100-$150, but with the amount of $$ invested, it will be great for the inhabitants and your piece of mind.
I'm actually looking into a 150g-180g and am going to buy a multifunctional controller.
Just my two cents
stevebydac
New member
The general rule of thumb is about 3-5 watts per gallon. You have 250 watts over 150g, correct? That's only 1.67 watts per gallon. Get another heater of at least 250 watts, and put it in the sump also if you have room. The sump is a great place for heaters -- fish can't bump into them there, and as long the tank water is flowing by them ,the heaters will evenly warm all of the tank water.
It is better to have 2 smaller watt heaters than 1 big one, because heaters usually die by sticking in the on position. If you have a powerful heater die in the middle of a hot summer day, you can drive your temp over 90*.
It is better to have 2 smaller watt heaters than 1 big one, because heaters usually die by sticking in the on position. If you have a powerful heater die in the middle of a hot summer day, you can drive your temp over 90*.
PuffersKick
New member
I went and bought a 500 watt heater with a better themostat. So far it seems to be working perfect. I just don't the 250 watt was near enough.
PuffersKick
New member
The fish are all looking much better. They still have a few spots, but they are going away rapidly. I think the new heater combined with the garlic added to their food did the trick!
Was a scare, but they are all strong fish! I'm just glad I figured out what the problem was with the temperature fluctuation quickly!
This new heater is awesome. I set it on 80 and it has not budged from that temperature since I set it! I think once it got down to 79.8 and the heater immeditely noticed it and kicked on!
PuffersKick
New member
I wound up getting a 500 watt titanium PRO HEAT heater by Won Bros. I had never heard of this brand before, but the guy at a LFS that I trust recommended it after I explained my problem to him.
I had never heard of this brand before, but he was right, it's awesome! And I really like the external temperature control valve. So now I don't have to stick my hand in the sump to adjust the temp. I had an Ebo Jager 250 watt before, but it didn't work well at all for me...
