New tank build - heater suggestion for apex

[Cody Clark]

so i will eventually have an apex. it may be a couple months delyaed on my new build cuase of the price. What heaters would u suggest since digital read outs etc arent that important when u have the apex!?

 

[TheEngineer]

I'm a big fan of the Eheim Jager heaters. They used to have a better warranty, but I think it is still 3 years. BRS did a test not too long ago and they came out on top.

 

[LobsterOfJustice]

Another vote for eheim jager

 

[TaylorPilot]

Eheim Jager is the choice of champions....

 

[rlh1904]

I agree with Eheim heaters and the apex gives it another layer of redundancy when you activate it to turn on and off at desired temperatures.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I used to buy Finnex but they went to $h_t. First one lasted 6 years and I burned it when I drained the sump and forgot to unplug it during move. Next 2, didnt last past 6 months if I recall correctly.

I've been using Eheim Jagers for past 3 years, not a single issue. I expect many years from the same heaters.

The only thing different now - multiple heaters. I use 2 in the summer (200W + 300W) and ad a 3rd heater (200W) in the winter (its a basement setup)

 

[BZOFIQ]

To add to above. I have them come ON in stages so if 1st one comes on and doesn't keep up or fails the second one comes on, etc.

Heater 1

Fallback OFF
If Tmp < 77.5 Then ON
If Tmp > 77.7 Then OFF
If Tmp < 71.0 Then OFF
Defer 003:00 Then ON
Defer 003:00 Then OFF
If Output ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF

Heater 2

Fallback OFF
If Tmp < 77.3 Then ON
If Tmp > 77.7 Then OFF
If Tmp < 71.0 Then OFF
Defer 001:00 Then ON
Defer 003:00 Then OFF
If Output ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF

etc


They are also connected to different EBs on different circuits.

 

[Cody Clark]

Thanks for all the feedback. I was gonna buy finnex heaters but guess I'll get some eheims

 

[Cody Clark]

To add to above. I have them come ON in stages so if 1st one comes on and doesn't keep up or fails the second one comes on, etc.

Heater 1

Fallback OFF
If Tmp < 77.5 Then ON
If Tmp > 77.7 Then OFF
If Tmp < 71.0 Then OFF
Defer 003:00 Then ON
Defer 003:00 Then OFF
If Output ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF

Heater 2

Fallback OFF
If Tmp < 77.3 Then ON
If Tmp > 77.7 Then OFF
If Tmp < 71.0 Then OFF
Defer 001:00 Then ON
Defer 003:00 Then OFF
If Output ReturnPump = OFF Then OFF

etc


They are also connected to different EBs on different circuits.

I need to learn more about programming them. Do you look at like wattage usage and have them alarm you if they start drawing a lower wattage as to tell if they are failing?

 

[BZOFIQ]

I need to learn more about programming them. Do you look at like wattage usage and have them alarm you if they start drawing a lower wattage as to tell if they are failing?

I have an older apex classic, it does not allow me to program that.

The new EB has that ability and if I had it I'd use it. Would have saved me some time when I had problems with Finnex heaters and their intermittent work habits.

 

[drtrash]

How do you size heater (s) if you are doing 2?

 

[Cody Clark]

How do you size heater (s) if you are doing 2?

I planned on doing 2 rated at the size needed for my tank to reduce workload

 

[TheEngineer]

How do you size heater (s) if you are doing 2?

I get two that are rated at 75% of the tank size. That way if one sticks on you won’t overheat your tank. If one dies you still have time before the temp drops too far.

 

[Cody Clark]

I will have an apex so the whole overheating shojldnt be an issue

 

[TheEngineer]

I will have an apex so the whole overheating shojldnt be an issue

Not true. Ports on an Apex can stick on.

 

[Orm Embar]

I use Eheim Jagers as well; while no heater is truly trustworthy, I think that Eheim Jager is the best of the bunch. Always use some kind of controller. Their length is annoying, though.

 

[40B Knasty]

My AQUEON Pro 150W has been running for 2 years. Hopefully I didn't just jinx myself. It has stayed at 77.6-77.8F for that long. So not much of a temp swing. That's what I love about it. Plus it is not glass, affordable, and getting 2 years for a $45 heater. That's like 53¢ a month for a quality heater so far for its lifetime having one in my 65g tank.

 

[TheEngineer]

I use Eheim Jagers as well; while no heater is truly trustworthy, I think that Eheim Jager is the best of the bunch. Always use some kind of controller. Their length is annoying, though.

The length on them kills me too. I have a tetra heater that is 1/2 the length and the same wattage. Kills me!

 

[BZOFIQ]

Not true. Ports on an Apex can stick on.

I have them set on non-relay ports so there is no "welding"

 

[BZOFIQ]

I use Eheim Jagers as well; while no heater is truly trustworthy, I think that Eheim Jager is the best of the bunch. Always use some kind of controller. Their length is annoying, though.

He he, no kidding. They are long indeed. The 300W will not fit in many sumps laying down; perhaps one can throw it in the overflow if its tall enough.