Heater issues

[angel]

I'm really having a time with heaters! There are some that seem to stop working when the water evaporates some, others that won't shut off when the water evaporates even a little, and others that decide to turn on and stay on for no apparent reason whatsoever! I think I'm gonna have to try to understand this whole sump thing and work out something to run several of my tanks with central heat and filter--is that how you do it?

[jon carman]

I put my heaters way under the water level. A sump is a great idea, but it has a downside as well.

[jon carman]

Yes that's how I do it on my system, but what I've got was probably a little more than what you want to do. I wouldn't go that route if these are in your house. I'll take you through my setup step by step and if you need any help, I'll help.

[angel]

The bulk of them are downstairs. It's technically a Rec room but really more of a "wreck" room. I do laundry down there and it's a catch-all, but not much more than a basement with painted walls. I don't know that I could do what you've done but there has to be some solution to keep my fish from burning or freezing. Maybe I have just bought crappy heaters.

[sirknight]

Hi Angel,

I use Electronic Temperature Controllers. They cost about $75.00 each but they do give you piece of mind. They are easy to use, you set them and plug your heater into them and no worries. I don't think the cost is that much when you look at the cost of the fish you have in a single tank. I can give you more details if needed.

Joe Wall

[angel]

Thanks Joe I'm interested in knowing more

[sirknight]

angel,
The way it works is you set the controller to heat, then maybe 1 degree drop. You set your heater to lets say 80 degrees and you set the controller to 78. When the tank temp drops to 77 the controller will turn on which should cause the heater to engage. When the tanks reaches 78 the controller shuts off. Here is a link to a website that has the controllers I am talking about.
www.jehmco.com/html/temperature_controller.html

The first one on the list is the one I am talking about and use.

I have also used these to control chillers in a saltwater reef tank setups.

Joe

[angel]

Seems simple enough. So it's like what a noise gate would be to sound. An override. I like this idea. You've been using these a while? Without a malfunction?

[sirknight]

Yes to all questions. but more like a master control. For more years then I would like to say.

[angel]

Perfect! Thanks for the advice--I'll work one into the budget and try it on a tank, and when I love it I'll work in more! Don't tell the husband hahaha

[baisley101]

That looks like a good product. You're right, if it saves a few fish its money well spent.