Looking for advice on heating tank with RKL

[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.

[GoFish]

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]

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]

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...