Need help with redundant heater set up

[Biglurr54]

I am looking to pick some brains on how to set up a fail proof heating system for my new tank after my last heater failed and took out some coral.

The tank is a 175g display and a 75 gallon sump in the basement. I am running Aqueon Pro 250w heaters because they are inexpensive and they have a lifetime warranty. I am going to run 2 – 250w heaters in the sump. They will both be on the same outlet on my apex. These will handle all the heating for the tank. A third may be added during the colder months. My concern is if the main pump gets shut off for some reason (too much top off, high water level in sump, water changes, breaker trip, apex failure, ect.) the tank wont have any heat. My real concern is that this will happen when I am on vacation. I would like to put a heater in the display on a different circuit with a separate controller set to come on if the other heaters fall out of range. Can the display heater go in the overflow? It’s a glasscages tank with ½ glass overflow. My concern is that the heater will heat the overflow and the heat wont radiate to the rest of the water. I’m trying to avoid the unsightly heater in the display.

 

[[Cameron]]

A heater in the overflow can work but it isn't particularly efficient. As a backup it should radiate enough heat to keep the main tank warm enough I would think. You could test it out by moving an existing heater there and see if it can keep up with the returns off. Obviously don't let the temp fall too far. The best option may be to put a small heater in the main display when you are on vacation.

Using a second temp controller on a different circuit is a good idea IMO. Having a second return would be a good option but you have to drill or go over the top. Given the distance, probably to an option.

 

[ca1ore]

Yeah, putting a heater in the overflow won't do much if the main pump is off.