Temp Fluctuation

[sn4k33y3z]

Whats the impact with coral when you have temp fluctuations? I'm thinking my heater is inadequit for the size of my tank (150W-93G). I've seen the temp swing from 72-77 degrees.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

72 is certainly to low. Jake, I always run at least 2 heaters. In my 93, I had two 150w and in the 180 I have two 300w. It's far better and will help with temp swings.

 

[jennm]

Agree with Jeff. 2 heaters are better than one. If one sticks "on" it won't be strong enough (if properly sized) to make "fish soup". If one fails to come on, the other will prevent a quick and total loss of heat.

Even the best heaters, IMO are the weakest link in a system.

Jenn

 

[sn4k33y3z]

Thanks for the input. Can I place the second heater in the overflow area? My sump is limited in space and all the heaters I'm aware of have to be submerged. I'm currently running one 150W jager. Some of my LPS are showing bits of their skeleton and the only thing I can think of that's different is temp the temp. All parms are in good range.

Alk- 9.1
Cal- 450
Mag- 1600 (don't trust this reading)
Nitrate- .5

 

[nickg]

I run a heater in each overflow and 1 in the sump.

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

One in the overflow won't hurt....in fact, it's a pretty good place for one.

 

[elfloyd]

Ran two in the 90... Don't know where my head was in setting up the 180. I'm running two 500w (without built in thermostats). One runs Mon, Wed, Fri... One runs Sun, Tue, Thru, Sat. Of course I have built in fail safes.

 

[sn4k33y3z]

Guess I'll be purchasing another heater. I wonder if this is what's stressing my Lepto and favia...

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

if you're having that vast a temp swing...most likely. Consistancy. I've got a couple of spares over here if you want to put one in and see what that gets you.

 

[darrrenjmartin]

My stuff was all over the place the first temp drop last month or so ago. How many decades does it take to get this right. +2. I was ready for it and I still I chased it all over the place between the chiller and heater. hysteresis. I couldnt even stay awake till it dropped so I could dial in then heater two evenings in a row. Sorry ars narcolep.
I guess I need even More wires.
Anybody selling a controller?

 

[project1004]

nickg;910909 wrote: I run a heater in each overflow and 1 in the sump.

I would also suggest to careful when you are doing water changes because the heater in the overflow will be exposed to the air for sometime. I heard it could be disastrous when it cracks or burns or shack you. Manually turning off while changing water as well as ATO is must for me.