Hi everyone, I recently added the AutoAqua Smart AWC Duo to my IM 20 Nuvo and placed it (sensors and pump) in the middle chamber of the AIO's sump. It needs to be there due to the top off's sensor, which works for both the ACW and the top off. It will drain a gallon and a quart at a time. My plan is to change this amount 2 to 3 times a week to supplement a 2 or 3 gallon manual WC each week (5 total). I've used it twice and it works like a charm!
However, my issue is that I also have my Eheim Jager heater in the middle chamber and when the sump drains, my heater is fully exposed. Then, the fresh saltwater pours back in on top of it. I'm amazed it didn't crack before I realized this was an issue. I'm wondering if anyone else has this set up? And if so, what do you do about the heater?
My questions are, if I replaced the Eheim Jager with a titanium heater and turned it off first, would I be able to expose it to air during water changes? In other words, are they more shatterproof? If so, do I need to let it cool first, although letting it cool would subtract from the AWC's automaticity and I wouldn't be able to do it when on vacation, which I'll be taking in a month.
If that doesn't work, should I put the heater back in the DT? Before I added the heater to the sump, I had the Jager in the DT vertically, but it's blue top was not a great look against my black background. Also, it too was exposed to air during water changes but I never had an issue. Can the Jaeger be fully submerged horizontally on the sand bed behind my live rock? Or, maybe there's a more discreet and reliable heater out that would work better? I've been reading reviews and scanning posts for days now and can't seem to find a solution. The E. Jager seems to be one of the few reliable heaters. Even the reviews BRS's titanium heater and IM new Helio aren't very comforting. I'm also looking into an external regulator like the Inkbird, but that's another story. Thanks everyone. I appreciate any suggestions,
However, my issue is that I also have my Eheim Jager heater in the middle chamber and when the sump drains, my heater is fully exposed. Then, the fresh saltwater pours back in on top of it. I'm amazed it didn't crack before I realized this was an issue. I'm wondering if anyone else has this set up? And if so, what do you do about the heater?
My questions are, if I replaced the Eheim Jager with a titanium heater and turned it off first, would I be able to expose it to air during water changes? In other words, are they more shatterproof? If so, do I need to let it cool first, although letting it cool would subtract from the AWC's automaticity and I wouldn't be able to do it when on vacation, which I'll be taking in a month.
If that doesn't work, should I put the heater back in the DT? Before I added the heater to the sump, I had the Jager in the DT vertically, but it's blue top was not a great look against my black background. Also, it too was exposed to air during water changes but I never had an issue. Can the Jaeger be fully submerged horizontally on the sand bed behind my live rock? Or, maybe there's a more discreet and reliable heater out that would work better? I've been reading reviews and scanning posts for days now and can't seem to find a solution. The E. Jager seems to be one of the few reliable heaters. Even the reviews BRS's titanium heater and IM new Helio aren't very comforting. I'm also looking into an external regulator like the Inkbird, but that's another story. Thanks everyone. I appreciate any suggestions,