Heating question

[MichaelJ]

I have a 300w in my main display, 400w and a 300w in my tank downstairs yet my temp still gets in the low 70's in the morning when I wake up. Any suggestions? I'm thinking of getting a 500w or bigger.

Michael

( it gets to 81 during the afternoon w/MH's on)

 

[JD46]

Sounds strange to me. That seems like an adequate amount of heaters. I have a 180 (with approx 30 gallons in the sump) in my basement. I do not heat the basement in the winter, so the room temp can be around 55deg. The tank is open top and there is no problem keeping it at 79deg with 2 300's and a 250.

JD

 

[Yaktop]

heaters die, you sure they have juice, you should be able to feel heat when you touch them. Sounds obvious but I agree you have more than enough heaters.

 

[MichaelJ]

Heaters still working... just checked them... I did take the 300w out of main display and put the 400w in.... maybe my 300w is starting to lose it...

 

[Glass Ocean]

I can see that being the case. I have a 90-gallon display and about 120 gallons total including Refugium and sump. My tank is in a part of the house that gets a little chilly and requires two 300’s to maintain a stable temperature. Yours is similar volume but with a big portion in a cold (unheated basement – I assume). There must be some reef geek guy that has calculated amount of watts vs. volume and temperature.

 

[MichaelJ]

It's as simple as putting the heat sensor BACK in the water!!!

the water is up to 84.2...... fans are on.

 

[NateHanson]

Usually if a temp probe comes out of the water, the heater goes full-on, and cooks the tank, since the air temp is below 80.

 

[MichaelJ]

Usually if a temp probe comes out of the water, the heater goes full-on, and cooks the tank, since the air temp is below 80.

I think with the cool basement it saved me... I don't know how long the temp probe sensor was out...it was dry though. The temp is now 83.7 so it is coming down.....

 

[dz6t]

I hate those heaters with separate sensors. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[MichaelJ]

I hate those heaters with separate sensors. It is a disaster waiting to happen.

I have a PinPoint thermometer.... can handle 4 temp. sensors... my heaters are Hydor... from Dr. Fosters.... my own stupid fault for not paying attention.

the temp is now down to 82..... not bad...

 

[Jim Tansey]

I have a Ranco controller and sensor is tie wrapped to the lower portion of the sump, if it falls out it will over heat the tank not run it cool.

Jim

 

[JohnK]

What's a heater?

Just kidding, but seriously, I don't even have one in my main system. Temp is controlled by Pump heat, MH heat, and AC + hood fans to keep it under control. As crazy as that sounds, my main system runs at 75-77 day to night.

I've never used a heater that is more reliable than the above balance.

Crazy, huh?

jk

 

[MichaelJ]

What's a heater?

Just kidding, but seriously, I don't even have one in my main system. Temp is controlled by Pump heat, MH heat, and AC + hood fans to keep it under control. As crazy as that sounds, my main system runs at 75-77 day to night.

I've never used a heater that is more reliable than the above balance.

Crazy, huh?

jk

"Crazy is as crazy does" I feel I'll get to that point in the future.. still getting my downstairs done... once I do that than I can try to eliminate a heater or two....