Do you have a back up heater?

RMS18 · May 20, 2016

About a month ago I decided to put a second heater in my system as a back up just in case. Well I am glad I did. Today after doing some monthly tank maintenance I noticed one of the heaters was not lighting up. This heater is about 2 years old, luckily my back up heater picked up the slack and kept my tank at perfect temperature. Not sure when it went but I never would have know as I don't check the temp often. Best $40 I spent. This could have been a tank crash [emoji29]

eb2292 · May 20, 2016

Of course! I wouldn't run a tank without two heaters. My second one is a little smaller, but it will definitely hold me over if my first one failed until I get a new one. I run two Eheim Jagers.

Bdog4u2 · May 20, 2016

Yep both mine are undersized incase stat fails and it gets stuck on wont overheat the tank

ngvu1 · May 20, 2016

I do, 1 is under the tank and 1 is connected behind the apex just in case it screws up :-); I set the temp really low though, 73.5; The tank is inside the house so if it is not in danger as someone tanks in the garage...

RyanCSGO · May 20, 2016

yes indeed :)
1 in the sump set to 76 and one in my overflow set to 73-74, sump is small, can barely fit 1 let alone 2 with my skimmer.

JonPhillips · May 20, 2016

Bmwm235i said:
About a month ago I decided to put a second heater in my system as a back up just in case. Well I am glad I did. Today after doing some monthly tank maintenance I noticed one of the heaters was not lighting up. This heater is about 2 years old, luckily my back up heater picked up the slack and kept my tank at perfect temperature. Not sure when it went but I never would have know as I don't check the temp often. Best $40 I spent. This could have been a tank crash [emoji29]

nicely done!

Drew Shark · May 20, 2016

I have two equally sized Eheim Jager heaters in my sump. They are connected to a controller.

FishOfHex · May 20, 2016

Bmwm235i said:
About a month ago I decided to put a second heater in my system as a back up just in case. Well I am glad I did. Today after doing some monthly tank maintenance I noticed one of the heaters was not lighting up. This heater is about 2 years old, luckily my back up heater picked up the slack and kept my tank at perfect temperature. Not sure when it went but I never would have know as I don't check the temp often. Best $40 I spent. This could have been a tank crash [emoji29]

I run two heaters in my reef tank both at max and connected to my apex for control, I can always tell when one has failed based on how long it takes the tank to get back up to tempature even if its only .5 deg. Its always good to have a backups in a reef system.

tcarter1936 · May 20, 2016

I have two set low because I live in Florida I use the heat pump in my fish room to keep the temp stable in winter and the ac keeps it cool enough in summer. Backups are always a good idea even for my warmer climate.

vic67 · May 21, 2016

One in my DT (connected to heater controller); one (smaller) in the sump during the winter months.

Duke4Life · May 21, 2016

I only add 1 during the winter months in case the power goes out. I'm able to keep my tank about 76-78 by controlling my house temp.

Kirch899 · May 21, 2016

I Do not run two heaters in my tank. But after reading this forum i might have too.

Below Radar · May 22, 2016

220 total gallons...I run an Eheim 200w and 300w set to 78 and run through my APEX. Both heater and controller would have to fail to overheat.

Cment · May 22, 2016

I run a back up as well. But for this very reason is why I replace my main heater every year right before winter around late September early October. Heaters are one of the main reasons for tank crashes and all this can be avoided by spending an extra 30-40$. I'm happy to hear it work out for you!

fernalfer · May 22, 2016

I have to Finnex 300 watt heaters with controllers. What should i set the temps at? the same on each or one slightly cooler then the other? Also where in the sump do you guys place your heaters?