I've been getting some great info/advice on large heaters and controllers (new to me). Would like additional suggestions/info and any personal experience you have had. Feel free to PM me if you'd prefer.
I'm setting up a 300g freshwater African cichlid tank with large sump (140g if full to the top). Has been suggested at 3W/g to go with 1000W total. I like the idea of going with 2-500W units rather than a single 1000W unit. More money but seems safer.
What has been suggested to look into so far:
Finnex: seems largest is 800W with matching controller, can't add a second heater. http://www.finnex.net/index.php?opt...age.tpl&category_id=2&product_id=69&Itemid=61
Catalina Aquarium: has a 500W or 1000W heater with RF1200 controller. Can't tell if 2 heaters can be added to the same controller, I assume not. http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=1786
JBJ True Temp: several forums with lots of complaints of failures, not sure if the newer products are redesigned and more reliable? http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-true-temp-titanium.html
Jehmco: They've got a 500W with controller that a second receptical can be added for a small fee to have a second 500W heater. The 1000W version is out of stock, don't know if that means discontinued or not (awaiting reply from company). About 1/2+ way down the page - http://www.jehmco.com/html/heaters.html
Digital Aquatics: So far my favourite controller, has 4 recepticals so I could also plug in my lights and be run of the same controller. Doesn't come with heaters so I would still need to choose a brand and is the most expensive controller by a bit (controller is $119). I can get away with their entry level as I don't need to monitor every saltwater parameter imaginable (I'm fresh) nor do I need to create random "storms" for the reef to feel like it's truly in the wild! The RKL ReefKeeper Lite is the model. http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/RKL
Again, any information would be appreciated.
Ken
I'm setting up a 300g freshwater African cichlid tank with large sump (140g if full to the top). Has been suggested at 3W/g to go with 1000W total. I like the idea of going with 2-500W units rather than a single 1000W unit. More money but seems safer.
What has been suggested to look into so far:
Finnex: seems largest is 800W with matching controller, can't add a second heater. http://www.finnex.net/index.php?opt...age.tpl&category_id=2&product_id=69&Itemid=61
Catalina Aquarium: has a 500W or 1000W heater with RF1200 controller. Can't tell if 2 heaters can be added to the same controller, I assume not. http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=42_43&products_id=1786
JBJ True Temp: several forums with lots of complaints of failures, not sure if the newer products are redesigned and more reliable? http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-true-temp-titanium.html
Jehmco: They've got a 500W with controller that a second receptical can be added for a small fee to have a second 500W heater. The 1000W version is out of stock, don't know if that means discontinued or not (awaiting reply from company). About 1/2+ way down the page - http://www.jehmco.com/html/heaters.html
Digital Aquatics: So far my favourite controller, has 4 recepticals so I could also plug in my lights and be run of the same controller. Doesn't come with heaters so I would still need to choose a brand and is the most expensive controller by a bit (controller is $119). I can get away with their entry level as I don't need to monitor every saltwater parameter imaginable (I'm fresh) nor do I need to create random "storms" for the reef to feel like it's truly in the wild! The RKL ReefKeeper Lite is the model. http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/RKL
Again, any information would be appreciated.
Ken
