Heater Size

[sphelps]

Originally Posted by The Grizz

I have 2 200w in my sump but have an issue with temp variations from 78 - 81. Is this a big deal? What can I co to keep a steady temp?

Don't mean to jack the thread MMAX this might just help us both.

Provided the variation in temperature is a result from the heaters (tank temp falls below set point) you should either combine both heaters with a single controller or upgrade to a single larger unit. I see little point in using two small units instead of the correct size, if you want a backup heater then you need two units, each large enough to handle the tank volume or a large primary and a smaller backup. But really unless you pay little attention to your tank you'll notice a heater failure before livestock is overly effected (especially large volume systems), quality and correct sizing is your best protection.

[corrosionjerry]

Originally Posted by sphelps

Provided the variation in temperature is a result from the heaters (tank temp falls below set point) you should either combine both heaters with a single controller or upgrade to a single larger unit. I see little point in using two small units instead of the correct size, if you want a backup heater then you need two units, each large enough to handle the tank volume or a large primary and a smaller backup. But really unless you pay little attention to your tank you'll notice a heater failure before livestock is overly effected (especially large volume systems), quality and correct sizing is your best protection.

So the combined size of the mother tank and sump size dictate the size of the heater.... so where in the sump should the heater be put ( input water or in the Refugium ) ?

[Bloodasp]

Refuge normally have a very low flow so not really ideal, it will heat up the surrounding water but it won't spread out too much. If you put it somewhere where there's too much flow it won't work efficiently either. Find somewhere in your sump where there is a good flow of water. That's my opinion anyway.