Tank temp.

[Branden]

I just set up my first saltwater tank of 90 gallons with a 40 breeder sump. I have 250w worth of heaters in the sump but can not seem to get the water temp above 76. Are there any tips or tricks to help get the temp up to 80 which my heaters are set at without adding a third heater?

 

[Reefing Madness]

You don't really want your tank at 80, 76-79 is quite fine. But to answer your question, get a larger heater or buy a second heater @ 250w

 

[Bad Company]

Something doesn't seem right. Basically a heater allows for a certain delta versus ambient temperature. At night in my house the temp goes down to 65° F, and my 200W heater has no problem holding the tank at 75° F (low I know but I have a blue spot jawfish). I have a 70 gal and a 20 gallon sump. Is your ambient temperature really low? Are you sure of your temp readings?

 

[Bad Company]

Maybe not all the heaters are functioning properly? Ae the setpoints different?

 

[LPSGUY]

Get one of those cheap stick on thermometers for like $1 at pet store and do a double check on temp. Doenst seem right 3 heaters wont keep temp where you need it. Either thermo, is off or a heater is off. Check those first and if cant find the prob you may need to add another heater!

 

[mike007]

I would double check with a different thermometer and see what it reads. Most budget ones are inaccurate. I have used 2 200watt heaters on a 100 gallon tank and have no problems keeping tank at 77-78. If your heaters will not maintain the temp I would think they may be defective.

 

[dave9905]

what temp is your house? I have 150w heater on a 90g with a 20g sump and my tank stays at 77. My house is usually 70

 

[watdachuck]

I wish my tank stayed at 76! But on the subject definitely make sure you are getting an accurate reading on the tank temperature. If you truly want it warmer i prefer a second heater over a larger one in case of failure.

My 45 gallon cube doesn't even have a heater. Apartment is kept at 67 and the tank never falls below 77. This is from the heat produced by two Mag Drive pumps on the return and skimmer.

 

[J062682l]

Check your heaters!! Mine is faulty and keeps the tank3 degrees lower then it is set

 

[Jlobes]

have you tried turning them up!?

 

[ReeferBob]

Is it by chance one of the Eheim Jager heaters? They don't heat anywhere near their rating. You need 2 heaters if you have that one. I had the same issue with a 300 watt Jager it would just not heat above 77 degrees. I got a 250 watt Cobalt and run both with no problems keeping 79.5.