Looking for advice on heating tank with RKL

Fesso · #1 10-16-2013, 01:34 PM

A second heater is probably your best best. I run 2 on my reefkeeper on separate plugs in a PC4. You set up each plug the same as the other, it's very simple.

Craigdillman · #2 10-16-2013, 06:22 PM

Is there a chance that your heater isn't turned up enough? Like you have it set to 77 on the reef keeper but if the temp on the heater isn't turned up or got bumped it may be kicking off before the temp reaches 77

neoh · #3 10-16-2013, 07:35 PM

You should look into a 250W heater and just run the one. Better odds of something going wrong when you have two.

Also, it's best to keep the heater in the first stage of the sump where the water comes in as opposed to the return section, to allow more heat dispersment in a shorter amount of time.

The RK needs a the iTemp probe using the SL1 unit to operate. Assuming you use that.

GoFish · #4 10-16-2013, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fesso

A second heater is probably your best bet. I run 2 on my reefkeeper on separate plugs in a PC4. You set up each plug the same as the other, it's very simple.

Thanks for letting me know. I noticed a LFS earlier has aqueon heaters for 40% off

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craigdillman

Is there a chance that your heater isn't turned up enough? Like you have it set to 77 on the reef keeper but if the temp on the heater isn't turned up or got bumped it may be kicking off before the temp reaches 77

The current heater is turned up to 81 or so. In the summer the system worked as programmed, the light on the heater would go on and off throughout the day. In the summer I had it programmed to 78.5

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoh

You should look into a 250W heater and just run the one. Better odds of something going wrong when you have two.

Also, it's best to keep the heater in the first stage of the sump where the water comes in as opposed to the return section, to allow more heat dispersment in a shorter amount of time.

The RK needs a the iTemp probe using the SL1 unit to operate. Assuming you use that.

When something goes wrong? There were 2 reasons I bought the RKL, one was for the digital temp display and the other was to protect my investment in case of a heater failure. I'm assuming if it will shut off 1 failed heater, as long as its programming is capable of recognizing 2 then I'm hoping it should do the same for the second... As far as the SL1, I bought one originally but returned it the following week when I realized the only thing it was good to me for was the PH display. The most simple water test there is, luckily the LFs gave me a refund
The RKL and temp probe are soley able to regulate a heater

Still undecided what section to put it in...Either the display or sump
It's an Aqueon Proflex model 3 sump BTW. (1st section filter socks, 2nd section refugium/skimmer, 3rd section return pump)

Off to buy a 4th aquarium heater for the house

neoh · #5 10-16-2013, 09:46 PM

In regards to something going on - you're right, I always assume the worst. I bought the reefkeeper for the same reason.

Make sure the one you get fits! I have an Aqueon 3 sump as well, and my 250w heater didn't fit properly in it.

I actually ended up swapping the Aqueon around because I think it's a poor design. I have the overflow go into the last chamber, which is now the fuge, the skimmer in the middle, then removing the socks - I put the return pump in the corner. It was a tight squeeze, but I managed to get it in there.

GoFish · #6 10-17-2013, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neoh

In regards to something going on - you're right, I always assume the worst. I bought the reefkeeper for the same reason.

Make sure the one you get fits! I have an Aqueon 3 sump as well, and my 250w heater didn't fit properly in it.

I actually ended up swapping the Aqueon around because I think it's a poor design. I have the overflow go into the last chamber, which is now the fuge, the skimmer in the middle, then removing the socks - I put the return pump in the corner. It was a tight squeeze, but I managed to get it in there.

Oops, just reading this now... I bought the 250watt Aqueon!! LOL. Came home and temp was at 72.9 i made it fit in the sump though, i put it sideways across the 1st and 2nd chambers, theres a little black piece thats kind in the way but the suction cups are holding for now. I'll get a smaller one tomorrow or figure out a different orientation

mike31154 · #7 10-17-2013, 03:36 PM

My display sits in a corner of the room, so during the colder months I put styrofoam along the sides I don't see...the back glass & one side. A little insulation to cut down on the power use! Not for everyone I suppose, it's a bit ghetto, but you have a sump, so some styrofoam insulation around that would help & be hidden from view.

Fesso · #8 10-17-2013, 03:45 PM

I keep my heaters in the skimmer chamber of my sump the heaters don't have to work as hard that way, when water is travelling over and around the heater... when putting a heater into main display, a much larger heater is required due to less water flow and a bigger volume to heat.
I think having 2 slightly smaller heaters is actually safer than 1 big one. My thinking is that the chances of 2 heaters dying at the same time is pretty small compared to 1 heater dying and leaving you with no heat at all...