Need compact heater

[dugthefish]

Building a new sump, and I've been ignoring the question of how to mount my heaters in a smaller compartment. Well, new sump tank is cleaned, resealed, baffles from EMS are here, and I'm ready to go.

125g DT
50g sump tank, 48x12x16H
15" maximum compartment length

I'm currently running 2x250w Jagers, which are going to be too long for any available area. I live in the great white North, so I'd like at least 400w heating capacity. I've never owned another brand heater; Jagers have never failed me so I'm hesitant to change. 2x150w EJ would fit, but the low wattage concerns me a bit.

What say you? Two smaller heaters, or recommend me another brand in the price range ($30-40/ea).

 

[jsker]

What say you? Two smaller heaters, or recommend me another brand in the price range ($30-40/ea).

This is a good route to go.

Do you have a controller?

 

[dugthefish]

This is a good route to go.

Do you have a controller?

Yes, Inkbird heat only. I just use it as a fail safe, it's set at 79 and my heaters keep the tank dialed in pretty good at 78.1-78.5

What brand would you recommend?

 

[jsker]

I was going to suggest two Finnex titanium 300w. They are small and powerful. It is best to run them with a controller though. They can get pretty hot if not regulated correctly;)

 

[ca1ore]

Can you fit three EBJ 150s? That’d be the way I’d go.

 

[dugthefish]

Can you fit three EBJ 150s? That’d be the way I’d go.

I could, but my controller would only handle two of them.......

 

[dugthefish]

I was going to suggest two Finnex titanium 300w. They are small and powerful. It is best to run them with a controller though. They can get pretty hot if not regulated correctly;)

Which Finnex? The digital titanium one on BRS is full of negative reviews.....

 

[jsker]

Which Finnex? The digital titanium one on BRS is full of negative reviews.....

From what I have read, yes the Finnex digital controller have a large swing in temperature. Same goes for the built in temperature controls in most all in one heaters. I run mine with the Apex and I a .02 degree swing and the controller will shut down the heater during maintenance or since I have installed a could of float switches when the water might get low. Apex and GHL controller my be some $$, but the piece of mind one gets and program-ability is well worth looking in to a controller for a system:)