so i am going away to florida this wednesday and i am trying to prep my tank for any possible disasters. right now i have one 200W eheim jager heater in my overflow which does great at keeping my tank at 79 degrees. i want to get another one same type and put it actually inside the tank just in case if the return pump fails the tank will still have heat. is it ok to get another 200 W one and just set it to the same temp on the other heater? any other tips you guys can give me on what else i could do to prep my tank.
heater question
- Thread starter Jarrett
- Start date
- Location
- The Big City
The eheim jager heater are some of the best heater. Through I don't think the new ones are exactly the same as the older ones, I've never heard of anyone having a problem with them not working or frying a tank.
The best thing to do is getting a smaller heater, watt wise, for the main tank. That way if something does go wrong it wouldn't fry the tank. I would also test the heater out for a while to make sure it's working.
The best thing to do is getting a smaller heater, watt wise, for the main tank. That way if something does go wrong it wouldn't fry the tank. I would also test the heater out for a while to make sure it's working.
if i get a smaller wattage one wouldnt it be kind of off from the other heater as to when it turns on and off basically making the temps fluctuate. my heater is only 2 months old are they reliable enough that you think i should be ok with just that one and take that out of the overflow and put it in my main tank. i kind of didnt want to do it because it has hair algea on it and i dont want to put it in the DT but i guess i can scrub it off and w.e doesnt come off the tang will get.
Last edited:
- Location
- port jefferson sta, NY
you should use a controller, heaters fail way to often!..better safe than sorry.
- Location
- The Big City
No, the temp in the tank is going to determine when the heaters come on and off. A lot of people run two smaller heaters, one in the sump and another in the main tank. As if there is a problem with one of the heaters it's usually not strong enough to fry the whole tank.
- Location
- port jefferson sta, NY
heater controller is about 50 bucks...aqua hut stocks them
- Location
- port jefferson sta, NY
too many sticky thermostats on heaters....read the horror stories...i would never run a heater without a controller, its cheap insurance.
- Location
- port jefferson sta, NY
it only controls the heater...nice and easy!
what would a controller even do for me tho in my case. i wont be home so if its an alarm it wouldnt do anything for me. and if a heater malfunctions and gets stuck on what does the controller do cut the power to the heater?
- Location
- port jefferson sta, NY
yes, it controls the outlet... on, or off depending on temp.
ok ill look into it thanks man. but just incase i cant make it out their to pick one up. will i be ok with what i said? a 200 W in the overflow and a 150W in the main tank. also is a 200W heater enough to fry my tank (75 gallon) if it ever malfunctioned
- Location
- port jefferson sta, NY
200 watt is fine, save your money on the other heater, and get the contoller.....im sure others will chime in but, NEVER RUN A HEATER WITHOUT A CONTROLLER....IT WILL FAIL!!!!!! if you think u need extra heat, i have a 100 watt i'll give u.
yea ill deff get the controller but the reason for the other heater was because my dad isnt really going to leave the heat on in my house when we leave. so the heater is going to be working over time and if it burns out i want the other heater in the tank to keep the water at a good temp. cause if i just kept the one on a controller it would be good if it malfunctioned and stayed on. but if it dies the tank would still be screwed because the temp will drop drastically my house is probally going to be really cold while im gone.
jcohen9999
Overkill Reefer
- Location
- Lindenhurst (11757)
I think any heater could possibly fry your tank if left on long enough if the environment is right (like heat on in the room) and a heater controller can help that (of course I've had a controller stick on the on position too - finnex POS- so theres no guarantees here at all but they are usually much better than the thermostat in the heater). So assuming you can't get a controller right now I would get a second (smaller is ok) heater for the main tank and set it at a point right below the main heater so it on truly goes on as a back up. Then when you get some type of controller you can use that to power a power strip that both heaters plug into.
Hth
Jeff
Hth
Jeff
Off topic;
Since your dad intends to cut the heat to the house off, please make sure to cut the main water off, and drain all the faucets. With no heat to the house there is the potential of pipes freezing consequently bursting.
Definitely a controller for the heaters is a must!!!!!!!
Since your dad intends to cut the heat to the house off, please make sure to cut the main water off, and drain all the faucets. With no heat to the house there is the potential of pipes freezing consequently bursting.
Definitely a controller for the heaters is a must!!!!!!!
yep my dad knows all that and does all that stuf thank you brandy. and thanks jeff and jaftica for the good advice i think thats what i am going to do. buy a 150W eheim heater and put that one in the main tank at a lower degree like you said. and then ill get the controller as well might as well get it out of the way now and then when i get home ill just put the lower heater in the sump that way ill still get use out of it. and i am not just buying it for my vacation. and appreciate the offer jaftica but its ok i have a gift card to petsware house anyway so might as well use it for something useful.
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