Help With Heating the 150g

[Heidi]

So I am wondering about heaters. I am thinking I will need more then one, for backup and cause I am not sure they make one heater that big. I want something reliable, long lasting, inexpensive, with a temp control on it. I don't care what it looks like as it will be in the sump, yay I am so happy I can do that! I will have total volume w/ sump of about 200 gallons. So here you go suggest away! Oh , and feel free to tell me what is crap too. Oh did I mention I love you guys!
Heidi

[Manoj's Reef]

I am a big proponent of not using heaters. You can raise the temps in multiple ways by not using the heater.

What is the current temp with out the heaters?

[BK's Reef]

i would go with about 2x250w and i would stay away from marineland stealths and the best heaters are always the titaniums even though i never get them lol. also what kind of lighting will you be using.

[iyachtuxivm]

I have been very happy with the finnex titanium heaters. Be aware that the temp gauge is almost always off about 2 degrees. That has been the case on every one that I have owned. Get the digital over the dial one. I have a reefkeeper (best money spent yet) and I am now using it to control a finnex 800w heater and I have a 300w with its own control hooked up just in case. I have used the 300w for over 2 years no issues besides the temp differance. I have a 50w and a 150w also that have been in use for 4+ years and as I stated before all have the same 2 (give or take) degree issue.

[tankdude]

I have been considering using my hot water tank to heat my system, the problem is you need a basement sump to do it.

[MizTanks]

I used my 300w Finnex titanium with probe for my 75 for over 4yrs never an issue. Controller mounted on the outside.
Now I've got it in my fuge with the probe inside the dt. Way cool!

[cephalotus]

I have been considering using my hot water tank to heat my system, the problem is you need a basement sump to do it.

You need a sump but it does not have to be in the basement.

[dlhirst]

I would recommend using two heaters appropriate for HALF your water volume. If heaters fail, it tends to be with the heater ON - so it would heat the tank too high. But if they only have the power to heat half the water, you may notice that one is always on, and have the chance to replace it, without the ugly results of ninety degree water... With a 200 gallon sump, you've got plenty of room. Jealous...

[Heidi]

It's only about 190 total gallons total w/ the sump included in that but yes it is sweet! I bought 1 300w today (that was all they had) I will get the other this next week. :big_grin:

[binford4000]

It's only about 190 total gallons total w/ the sump included in that but yes it is sweet! I bought 1 300w today (that was all they had) I will get the other this next week. :big_grin:

I would stick with the basement sump for sure! They're great in the summer time to keep the temp under control.+1 on the dual heaters.Haveing a fail safe is always the best plan.I personaly like the titanium heaters and if your useing a controller they work great.Good luck

[Heidi]

Thanks for the suggestions on the basement sump. Yeah in a perfect world that would be great but, alas, I live in a tri-level house and have nothing but a scary gravel filled crawl space under my tank.