Heater setup?

[16fishes]

I’m pretty much done cycling my new 25 gallon lagoon tank but I just learned I need a heater. I did I little research and it seems like 100w is what I need, but I’ve also heard people talk about how they accidentally “cooked “ their fish because the heater malfunctioned. Some say a way to avoid this is getting two smaller/lower powered heaters. Not sure which I should do or what brand of heater is the best, any advice?

 

[dvgyfresh]

Heater and temperature prob helps , and only use titanium heaters

 

[Skippy The Meh]

Dont worry about going too big or too many total watts. People dont cook their fish bc of too much wattage, they cook them bc the control mechanism fails.

First thing you need to decide:
Temperature controller with replaceable titanium heating elements. (More expensive, better quality, less risk, less temperature swings)

100W Titanium Aquarium Heater System - WiFi

The Bulk Reef Supply Titanium Aquarium Heater System is a complete temperature control system that includes a virtually unbreakable titanium heating element paired with an Inkbird ITC-306a Wi-Fi Aquarium Temperature Controller which sets new standards in safety and reliability. The heater...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

** i dont personally use this one -i use the one below- but i know alot of people do and its reputable and a bit cheaper**

100W Titanium Aquarium Heater w/ Helio Controller

A Complete Temperature Control System Digital Readout Can Control Two Heating Elements Audible Alarm Capable of 1000-Watt Max Output The ultimate duo for precise aquarium temperature control. Crafted with titanium, the heating element is designed for longevity and safety. The Helio...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Or

All in one style glass heater (cheaper, marginally higher temperature swings, prone to breaking/ failing)

JAGER TruTemp Aquarium Heater

Fully submersible aquarium heater with TruTemp technology from Eheim. Precise temperature control: 65-93° F Made from shatter-proof laboratory glass TruTemp technology - ability to calibrate the heater for precise temperature Easy calibration to ±2ºF Run dry protection with Thermo safety...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Next thing you need to decide is how many (redundancy). With a controller style its easy and makes sense to be redundant.

Finally, pre schedule how often ypu change them out. I change mine out 1/ yr every black friday when BRS has their sale.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Dont worry about going too big or too many total watts. People dont cook their fish bc of too much wattage, they cook them bc the control mechanism fails.

That is poor advice. A properly sized heater will take a lot longer to “cook” a tank than an oversized heater. The ideal heater should only be big enough to maintain temperature on the coldest room day of the year, running at a 90% duty cycle.

Finally, pre schedule how often ypu change them out. I change mine out 1/ yr every black friday when BRS has their sale.

Why? The primary reason for heater failure is thermostat failure. If you use a controller and set the heater’s thermostat slightly above the set point of the controller, then the thermostat never cycles and instead acts as a fail safe.

The second reason for failure is water ingress due to seal failure. The fix is simple, never immerse the head of the heater and place it in a fixed level sump compartment so that it can’t run dry.

Lastly, reduce thermal fatigue by properly sizing the heater and it will cycle less often, reducing thermal stress.

You can get decades out of a heater if you follow those simple guidelines.