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suggestions for heater size?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote backwards32 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: suggestions for heater size?
    Posted: August 22 2017 at 5:07pm
I am wonder what size and type of heater to get for my system. it is about 350 gallons altogether and will be controlled through my apex. I was looking online and there was a big variety of quatz or titanium or others.

anyone have any suggestions on type of heater and size.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Krazie4Acans Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 22 2017 at 5:39pm
I love the titanium ones. No glass to crack or break. I would get two 300 watt heaters ( with their own temp controller). Each one should be just slightly smaller than what you need and so one should be enough to maintain temp and when extra heat is needed the second one will come on.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote backwards32 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 22 2017 at 5:50pm
When you say their own controllers would you not use the apex at all?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Krazie4Acans Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 22 2017 at 6:45pm
II use the apex as the primary control but I like having the heater controller set a couple of degrees higher than the apex temp so that I can alert if the outlet gets stuck on without cooking the tank. It's a cheap insurance policy.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Teknik777 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 22 2017 at 6:57pm
I have a around 350 g total water volume and I run two heaters. 150 w and 250 w eheim jager. I set the internal heater on them to 78. Both set to separate temps on my apex. 150w controls it most of the time from 77.0 - 77.3. If it drops below the 77.0 I have the 250 w kick on to help at 77.0. If one or the other is left on its not enough to warm my tank above 78. Give yourself a contingency plan buy running two smaller ones. Same if it goes out one will be working hard to keep it warm and not let it drop to low. Be sure to set notifications on your apex. I haven't had one break and have run Jager heaters for over 10 years. I know people like the titanium heaters but I haven't made the switch. I have an annual check list of things I replace like heaters, float valve, etc. I am sure both would work its really just personal preference.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hogie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 22 2017 at 7:13pm
i run a 800w and a 300w.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jdinchak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 22 2017 at 8:42pm
We have done 2 - 200W Eheims and 2 - 300W Eheims on larger tanks. 

One limiting factor is the higher watt ones can be HUGE.  Hard to fit into sump. 

I think having two, controlled by APEX is a great way to go.  I also make sure the default is off in case the Apex craps out it doesn't turn and leave them on. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Mark Peterson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 23 2017 at 8:38am
All great advice above. 
The only thing I would add is that I have run my tanks at 74-76 and a large maintenance company that I know does the same. All the organisms thrive at that temp and yet it gives a safety margin in case heaters do go haywire. Worst thing about heat is to let it get over ~81 very quickly. Second worst thing about heat is to let the tank get below ~65. Yep, 65. The animals (especially SPS) in a reef aquarium can quickly recover from low temperature but can easily die when it gets in the 80's.

There's a discussion about heaters in the Reefkeeping Tips, too.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kevin.st Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: August 23 2017 at 8:57am
I run 2 300 w jagers on an apex.  i just wish they weren't so expensive in the winter!
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