heater in sump

[Tskstorm]

what size heater do you guys use in your sumps?

Building a 55 gal sump for 180 gal tank thanks.

 

[ChiPerf]

I have 2 300 watt Jagers in my 100 gallon sump for my 400 gallon tank. Work well so far.

 

[sazhar]

I use 3 fluval 300 watt m series in my sump for my 240. I put them in the space below my bio balls. I keep my tank at 80 degrees and have had no issues.

 

[Tskstorm]

thanks guys

 

[soupa2]

i would put it close to the return pump back to the tank would be good to not lose heat during the sump process and 300 or 400watt heaters is suficient

 

[aldiaz33]

what size heater do you guys use in your sumps?

Building a 55 gal sump for 180 gal tank thanks.

Sounds like ChiPerf is running 1.5 watts per gallon and Sazhar is running 3.75 watts per gallon and they are both getting good results even though they have a pretty huge difference in watts per gallon. Air temps are definitely going to factor into how many watts you will need.

All else being equal, ChiPerf heaters will probably be on more often to maintain tropical temps. Sazhar's heaters will be able to heat much faster, so they will achieve the desired temp more quickly, then cycle off...in other words, they probably won't be on as often. Energy consumed should be prety similar.

Whatever wattage you end up running, just make sure that you will be able to heat up to 86 just in case you get an ich outbreak.

 

[scott m]

Whatever you should choose, note that the people that posted so far run at least 2 heaters...it's a good practice to follow.

 

[Tskstorm]

I settled on 2 300w heaters will give me roughly 2.5w per gal should suffice. I always seem to have an extra heater lying around the house, that could be used if the 2 werent enough to raise the temp. Thanks.

 

[MTBjake]

Whatever you should choose, note that the people that posted so far run at least 2 heaters...it's a good practice to follow.

I just got on board with this yesterday. Good plan.

 

[ChiPerf]

Exactly why I run 2 heaters, if one fails. They stay on for a few minutes when the temp drops to 76, and then cut off when the temp hits 78 via temp controller. It does take them maybe 5 - 10 minutes of solid heating to get back up to 78 from 76 though. My basement is 62 degrees air temp and there are no covers yet on the sump, for comparison. I bought 3 heaters, and am using one in my 125 right now, but it hits the bottom of the sand, so I will probably use that one in the 400 making it 3 heaters and then buy 2 shorter heaters for the 125 again in case one of those fail.