I need heater advice!

[USMC 4 LIFE]

So I'm in the process of setting up my 90 gallon tank and I've seen a 250 watt heater that I think will work well in my tank. Only problem is that it's height. It's 17.3" long/tall. Only place I can put this would be in my overflow box. I have a 3 stage 40 gallon sump but I only have 12" max to lay the heater in any one of those stages.

So my question is this. Is the overflow box a good section to put my heater? Will the water circulate well in there?

Or should I get two smaller heaters and place them in the sump?

I'm looking at getting a Eheim Jagar 250 watt heater that is rated for 106-159 gallons.

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[redfishbluefish]

I would suggest getting two smaller heaters. The reason is that they will fail, and if you only have one, your temperature will drop...and continue to drop. If you have two, the likelihood of both heaters failing at the same time is nil. So when one fails, the other will attempt to keep the temperature up, but maybe the tank drops down to 74 or so. So two heaters are better than one.

The other suggestion is to run them through a controller. If you don't have a reef computer system, then I'd suggest a stand alone controller for the heaters....something like a Ranco.

And Eheim Jagers are the best, with the exception that they are long.

 

[dbl]

Absolutely agree with Paul. The converse or flip side benefit of two is when one fails in the "ON" position, it is less likely to cook your inhabitants. You'll notice a slight increase in temperature instead of a larger one!

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

Ok. Sounds good to me.

Is it ok if part of the heater is not fully submerged?

 

[bobman]

The coils really should be submerged. It may heat the water but the water cools the heater. you can have the control on top out of the water.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

Ok. I'll see what length heaters I can use for the overflow and sump then

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

Also have a question with pad/foam/mats underneath rimless tanks. I have a 90 gallon (48x18x24) rimless tank that's 1/2 inch thick. I put a 10mm work out mat under it for cushion. I'm terrified of it breaking lol. I'm more comfortable going overseas and fighting in Iraq in 2004 than dealing with my ticked off wife in 2016. Am I safe with that mat?

The wooden floor was a bit uneven and I shimmed the stand to level it out. Top of stand and top of aquarium are both PERFECTLY level now.

 

[bobman]

Honestly I dont even use heaters at all I have some new in the box in case my central heat dies in the house. I keep my house at 75 year round has always worked well for me never needed a heater. But things break so I have one on hand just in case but have never had to use them to date knock on wood.

 

[BummersReef]

Agreeing on putting 2 in sump ... Should be submerged but you can lay them diagonally or even horizontally if they have the suction cup thingies (most do)

 

[dbl]

Also have a question with pad/foam/mats underneath rimless tanks. I have a 90 gallon (48x18x24) rimless tank that's 1/2 inch thick. I put a 10mm work out mat under it for cushion. I'm terrified of it breaking lol. I'm more comfortable going overseas and fighting in Iraq in 2004 than dealing with my ****** off wife in 2016. Am I safe with that mat?

The wooden floor was a bit uneven and I shimmed the stand to level it out. Top of stand and top of aquarium are both PERFECTLY level now.

My recommendation is to contact the tank manufacturer and see what their recommendation is regarding pad or no pad.

 

[Tautog]

Just something to think about, what to do when the pad gets wet, then mold, mildew, and a foul odor. Black mold can kill you

 

[willieboy240]

Back in the day. I would run 2 of the big heaters set to 79 then plug them into a rancho controller set to 78. They never failed. I also change them out every 2 years or so. I always get titanium ones too. Glass ones break easy.

 

[Salty1962]

I use an earlier version of this. I also had issues with my space and these are pretty small. This one is 11.5". Checkout Marine Depot.

ViaAqua Titanium 300 Watt 80 Gallon Aquarium Heater

 

[ReefToLive1]

I honestly do not think a pad will hurt you, in fact the workout mat was a great idea especially since they will not absorb moisture.

 

[nwayne567]

Agreed with bobman, I don't use heaters at all, I'm actually envious of people needing heaters!!! I run the A/C constantly and switch out frozen water bottle every other hour-_-

 

[Salty1962]

Also have a question with pad/foam/mats underneath rimless tanks. I have a 90 gallon (48x18x24) rimless tank that's 1/2 inch thick. I put a 10mm work out mat under it for cushion. I'm terrified of it breaking lol. I'm more comfortable going overseas and fighting in Iraq in 2004 than dealing with my ****** off wife in 2016. Am I safe with that mat?

The wooden floor was a bit uneven and I shimmed the stand to level it out. Top of stand and top of aquarium are both PERFECTLY level now.

I would put one under it. Most manufactures recommend a pad. I also used a workout pad under mine that I got from Amazon.

 

[USMC 4 LIFE]

I would put one under it. Most manufactures recommend a pad. I also used a workout pad under mine that I got from Amazon.

Oh good to know. How big was you tank? How long have you had it? Any issues? Rimless as well, right?

 

[shadow1013]

If you haven't bought a heater then I'd try finding smaller. If you already have it have you tried putting it in one of the areas in your sump at an angle. It might fit that way.