View Full Version : Using dual heaters - issues
Isn't it true that only one of the heaters would function? I say this based on the fact that they cannot be set at precisely the same setting.
One would turn on first, then with its heating effect the other wouldn't even get to turn on. I'm assuming there is adequate current to spread the heat evenly around the tank and overcome the thermal inertia of the water.
If this is true then the other heater would only come on if the first failed, which is a good thing anyway....or if I changed in cold water.
I guess it would also mean that I should buy two heaters that are each capable of heating the tank on their own so that it doesn't take too long to recover and they don't get too stressed.
Is this the way it works or am I just talking through my hat?
johnptc
07-25-2008, 10:11 PM
set the second below the first like a back up.....if they are not oversized two reduce the risk of cooking your fish in the event one locks on
Bud8Fan
07-26-2008, 7:33 AM
set the second below the first like a back up.....if they are not oversized two reduce the risk of cooking your fish in the event one locks on
Wouldn't that increase your chances of cooking your fish? You would have two heater that could fail versus one.
Knowdafish
07-26-2008, 7:48 AM
set the second below the first like a back up.....if they are not oversized two reduce the risk of cooking your fish in the event one locks on
Key words......"if they aren't oversized"!
That means as long as each heater is small enough (wattage wise) to NOT cook the fish.
Say you are looking for 300 watts for a heater. Each heater should be 150 watts max!
Bud8Fan
07-26-2008, 7:54 AM
gotchya
unstopable4700
07-26-2008, 8:28 AM
yes, two smaller heaters are the best way. i lost a 12" lima do to heater staying on, after that i switched straight to the 2 heater crowd
L.BelcherII
07-26-2008, 9:44 AM
I just put them as far away from eachother as possible. Once the weather turns, I'll put one in my sump and one in my tank.
BushFishRox
07-26-2008, 9:53 AM
I use two 300watt heaters set at the same temp on my 220 with no problems, both come on and off at the same time...
JoelB
07-26-2008, 10:30 AM
yes, two smaller heaters are the best way. i lost a 12" lima do to heater staying on, after that i switched straight to the 2 heater crowd
I assume you're getting them to both come on at the same time.
Is it hard to fine tune them that way?
Brian Fish
07-26-2008, 11:03 AM
I just bought a 125gal with a 1000 watt heater is that too big ? It seems to work okay but I don't need any fried fish.
Bud8Fan
07-27-2008, 6:55 AM
I just bought a 125gal with a 1000 watt heater is that too big ? It seems to work okay but I don't need any fried fish.
http://boonedocks.net/fishtank/ftweb.php
Best heater calculator on the net. Just remember that it give you "minimum" wattage. Round up.
Nice link bud, to get my 75g 10 degrees warmer I only need 115W. Wait a minute that doesnt sound right, I think I f"ed up?
nfored
07-28-2008, 7:59 PM
Can I ask a question here. I have my heater in my sump in the unheated garage. I notice the heater in the garage turns on even though the tank is at 80 and the heater is set to 78. I assume the sump water is just cooler then the tank since the garage is unheated. that parts no big deal as the tank never goes above 80. My question is since I don't know how this heater will hold up in the winter I want to add a second set to like 76 as a back. I was thinking about putting the second one in the tank so it would have a better chance of keeping the tank from dropping since the tank is indoors in a heated room.
johnptc
07-28-2008, 8:37 PM
Can I ask a question here. I have my heater in my sump in the unheated garage. I notice the heater in the garage turns on even though the tank is at 80 and the heater is set to 78. I assume the sump water is just cooler then the tank since the garage is unheated. that parts no big deal as the tank never goes above 80. My question is since I don't know how this heater will hold up in the winter I want to add a second set to like 76 as a back. I was thinking about putting the second one in the tank so it would have a better chance of keeping the tank from dropping since the tank is indoors in a heated room.
if there is alot of water flow it doesnt matter where you put it
Brian Fish
07-30-2008, 5:12 PM
Thanks Bud8.
both heaters would work as the temp will actually fulx a small amout in all the tank.
Yep. I may still use two even if I do put them in the sump side by side.
.in fact using 2 heaters may even keep enegry cost down
Curious.