Heater controller

[jaws7777]

Thx for all the suggestions gonna check out the links later today

 

[Pharaoh]

I only run Ranco controllers

 

[nzafi]

I run a finnex heater controller. Only one I've ever had, no problems with it at all.

Really? Had finnex heating element break and both controllers go bonkers when I'm doing a water change so I have to turn them off. Their customer service was also crap for me.

 

[xraycer]

Really? Had finnex heating element break and both controllers go bonkers when I'm doing a water change so I have to turn them off. Their customer service was also crap for me.

I believe ragin_cajun is talking about the heat controller, not the actual heating element units.

FYI, turning off a heater, during a wc, is something you should be doing with all brands.

 

[nzafi]

I believe ragin_cajun is talking about the heat controller, not the actual heating element units.

FYI, turning off a heater, during a wc, is something you should be doing with all brands.

Why do you need to turn them off? If the heating elements and thermometer are always submerged what is the problem? Not being fresh, just really don't know.

 

[xraycer]

Why do you need to turn them off? If the heating elements and thermometer are always submerged what is the problem? Not being fresh, just really don't know.

I thought you meant the heaters were not submerged during the wc. So, if they are still fully submerged, there shouldn't be any issue........unless the heaters were at their hottest, and it gets a sudden influx of cold water right at it. Of course, this is typically a problem with heaters with glass housing

 

[DN328]

I turn off/pull plug on heater controller when doing WC. My heaters sit in the sump and I want to avoid both heaters running while the return pump is off. The water doesn't move, so the temp probe never picks it up and the chamber where they sit will heat up.

 

[jaws7777]

Guys how do these things work ? Was looking at the link owens posted. And dont understand how they connect to the heaters

 

[Woefulrelic]

Guys how do these things work ? Was looking at the link owens posted. And dont understand how they connect to the heaters

The first product on that page is a prewired ranco with 1 receptacle up to 1800 watts. Being prewired means it can be plugged into an existing outlet. If you were to buy a unit off of amazon you would have to wire it yourself, mine is wired to 4 outlets. This picture should help you a bit.

http://www.etcsupply.com/images/etc_prewired/ranco_etc_wired.jpg?osCsid=6j5j9k5gftogs34a547isvp617

All the green wiring is non existant on a normal new unit. I had mine wired by an electrician friend. You can use a splitter (not sure if correct term) to run multiple heaters.

 

[soupa2]

i use ranco controller also.. i have went through at less 2-3 controllers.. the 180 has a true temp with 2 x 300watt inline heaters.. my 300 have the ranco controller with 3 x 300 watt heaters but i only use 1 heater to heat the tank during winter time where my basement is around 60 degrees.. i keep my tank at 75 - 77...