How many watts of heater do I need?
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Forum Name: Equipment
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URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=74002
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Topic: How many watts of heater do I need?
Posted By: DRack
Subject: How many watts of heater do I need?
Date Posted: December 12 2014 at 11:53am
| My wife hates the size of my tank stand, SO, I'm plumbing my 60 cube to a 55 gallon sump in my garage. My question is, how many watts of heat will I need? I noticed there are 1000 watt titanium heaters now too. My garage can get into the forties in January. Thanks, guys! |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 13 2014 at 6:52am
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I have done something like this before. I used 1" foam board to insulate the tank, piping insulation around the pipes, even to the point of a replaceable 4' foam piece on the front of the tank. Also, remember (or look up) the very recent discussions about heaters? We discussed the logical reasons for using multiple small heaters and how manufacturers mislead us into buying heaters that are twice as powerful as needed. We also talked about the advantages of cooler temperatures. Aloha
 ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: DRack
Date Posted: December 13 2014 at 7:21am
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Thanks for your reply, Mark. I've never had a heater get stuck in the on position before. (They just die) The multiple heater route seems the most logical. I was leaning towards a bunch of 300 watt heaters but now I'm not sure. I do like redundancy in my heaters. I always run at least two. What would you suggest for my system then? Supposing I insulate the sump. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: December 13 2014 at 8:56am
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An insulated system won't lose heat in the garage much faster than a tank in the house. Start with ~1 watt per gallon; 2x50 watt heaters and realize that a heater that remains ON longer is not a problem. In fact, I believe it's the number of times a heater turns on and off that shortens its life. As in everything, go slow, be patient and add more as needed. That's my philosophy. Aloha ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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