Heater question

Hey guys,

I was wondering if there would be any problems with having a heater touching tubing or the side of a skimmer. Would there be any melting problem?

Here's the situation. I have my heater set at 81F (which is located in the DT), and the thermometer which is located in the sump always reads a range between 76-78. I know that this isn't a good temperature, but i've tried everything with the heater. I just want a constant 79F. I tried putting the temp up higher but for some reason the thermometer will go up to 79-80 then a few days later drop down to 76-78. Not good. so i thought about putting the heater in the sump, but it won't fit. the only way it could fit is if it's touching things. I have an old 100W heater that would most likely fit. Should I replace the 150W with the 100W that fits? Honestly this has been bugging me for a while and I feel like my tank is on a rollercoaster (temp wise)!!

 

I went with inline heaters ( (2) 300 Watt ) and a common controler (that has a digital display). While it does not answer your question. I set the controler and it keeps my tanks right where I want it. They do sell a 200 W version.

My controller also controls my cooling, I set to 78.6 degrees and my ~220 gallons of water stay within 1 degree.

 

Use both? One in sump, one in DT.

My heater is actually in my skimmer. It's not actually touching... but it's real close to the wall.

 

good idea..

hmm...anyone recomend a good controler?

 

marinedepot has one. ( only one) I would google some of the terms and see what you can find.

Aqua Logic Aquarium Temperature Controller

 

For that much money for a dual stage, he should go and get a Aquacontroller Jr. It has room to control pH and lighting and all that stuff. Room for expanding is a great value in this hobby. If you want to get a package with a pH probe as well, a LFS sells them cheaper than Marine Depot, they also have a website. But for just the AC Jr and temp probe, MD is cheaper.
Neptune Systems AquaController Jr with Serial Port + Temperature Probe

 

Thanks Mike!!

 

Does your chiller have a heater port? Some brands have the ability to run both your chiller and your heater, so they are not always working against each other.