aquarium heater

[Bode]

What would be the best way to externally heat a 260 gallon tank running two eheim pro 3 canisters. The tank will house small and dwarf cichlids 3.5" to 5" so the filtration should be sufficient.

 

[BadOleRoss]

Your question confuses me. You want to "externally" heat the tank, meaning heater outside the tank but you are runnig canisters and then you talk about the filtration needs. Are you getting rid of the canisters and want a new filtration idea that will allow extrenal heating? Just clarify a little bit if you would.

 

[Bode]

I plan on running the canisters, possibly the eheim pro 3 thermo, if it is a good unit, as apposed to a sump system where a heater would be placed in that unit.

 

[BadOleRoss]

To filter and heat a tank your size, you will almost have to go with the 2180. Looking at the prices they are running about $400. You can make a nice sump for $400 but you need to consider the overflows to feed the sump. A good, self-priming overflow can cost you a pretty penny. I am a big fan of sumps on larger tanks and canisters on smaller tank. I'd build a sump, place 2 heaters in it so you have a back up.

 

[dawnmarie]

Here's how I did it.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311766