Acceptable heating time

Aquavaj · 12/05/2018, 12:30 PM

Is one hour to raise my tank (130g net volume) .5 degrees too long? This is with a 300w jager I'm using temporarily until the 2 200w ones come in. But even with the extra 100w I don't see it shortening the time that much. Ambient temps in the house is high 60s to low 70s.

McPuff · 12/05/2018, 01:17 PM

I used a 500W finnex titanium heater in my 120. For my 300, I use a 500 and an 800w finnex titanium.

I suggest upping the wattage to 2 x 300w.

billdogg · 12/05/2018, 03:49 PM

^^^This^^^

I use 2 x 300W heaters in the sump of my 120DT. House temps in the 70-72 range, tank at 78.

outssider · 12/05/2018, 06:02 PM

As long as the temp is rising and not falling, I don' see where the problem is..??

ClownNut · 12/05/2018, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by outssider

As long as the temp is rising and not falling, I don' see where the problem is..??

if a 500w heater can heat up the water in 20 mins and only comes on every couple hours, vs 200w heater run 24/7. the amount of energy use was the problem.

mcgyvr · 12/05/2018, 06:55 PM

I typically recommend 3-5x tank gallons in heater wattage..
This typically handles up to a 10 deg ambient to tank temp difference without problems...

McPuff · 12/06/2018, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

I typically recommend 3-5x tank gallons in heater wattage..
This typically handles up to a 10 deg ambient to tank temp difference without problems...

Another option is to stagger the set temps for two different heaters. If my tank goes below 77.6, I have both heaters turn ON. Once it is below 77.8, one heater turns ON. The upper set points are also slightly staggered so that one heater doesn't stay ON when it's really no longer necessary. And this way, I don't always need 1,300 W of power draw just to heat the tank a couple tenths of a degree.

Finally, if you make a narrow temp range, your tank temp will remain more stable and the heaters won't have to run as much throughout the day (though they may run more frequently).

mcgyvr · 12/06/2018, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McPuff

Another option is to stagger the set temps for two different heaters. If my tank goes below 77.6, I have both heaters turn ON. Once it is below 77.8, one heater turns ON. The upper set points are also slightly staggered so that one heater doesn't stay ON when it's really no longer necessary. And this way, I don't always need 1,300 W of power draw just to heat the tank a couple tenths of a degree.

Finally, if you make a narrow temp range, your tank temp will remain more stable and the heaters won't have to run as much throughout the day (though they may run more frequently).

Always options in life..
Note: Efficiency will vary with your choices

1000W for one minute vs 500W for 3 minutes,etc...

McPuff · 12/06/2018, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Always options in life..
Note: Efficiency will vary with your choices

1000W for one minute vs 500W for 3 minutes,etc...

Indeed! :0)

steallife904 · 12/07/2018, 10:41 AM

im thinking the house being that cold is the issue as well. I don't let mine get under 70. Maybe try to keep it at 70???? But it doesn't seem like an issue, I think when mine comes on it take about 30 or 45 min.

lapin · 12/07/2018, 11:26 AM

I think it has to do with your tank, stand and house temp. If the tank is glass without a cover or hood and the house is cold it could take a while. I have 2ea JBJ 300W on my 600 and they take 1 hour to heat water .5 degrees F. 78F to 78.5 My tank room is warm so not much heat is lost thru the air. 2 sides of my tank are in that room. My house is at 68F

Seasidenj · 12/18/2018, 12:13 AM

Alot has to do with what the temperature is in the room the tanks are in

12/05/2018, 12:30 PM	#1
Aquavaj Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 132	Acceptable heating time Is one hour to raise my tank (130g net volume) .5 degrees too long? This is with a 300w jager I'm using temporarily until the 2 200w ones come in. But even with the extra 100w I don't see it shortening the time that much. Ambient temps in the house is high 60s to low 70s.

12/05/2018, 03:49 PM	#3
billdogg Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Grove City, Ohio Posts: 10,806	^^^This^^^ I use 2 x 300W heaters in the sump of my 120DT. House temps in the 70-72 range, tank at 78. __________________ I'll try to be nice if you try to be smarter! I can't help that I grow older, but you can't make me grow up! Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef with 40b sump, RO 150 skimmer, AI Sol Blue x 2, and a 60g Frag Tank with 100g rubbermaid sump. 2 x Kessil A360w lights, BM curve 5 skimmer

12/05/2018, 06:02 PM	#4
outssider Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Reseda, Ca. Posts: 1,717	As long as the temp is rising and not falling, I don' see where the problem is..?? __________________ Please don't feed the bears because the bears will become dependent on free handouts and forget how to take care of themselves …... Current Tank Info: 75 Gal. Mixed reef mostly sps

12/05/2018, 06:55 PM	#6
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	I typically recommend 3-5x tank gallons in heater wattage.. This typically handles up to a 10 deg ambient to tank temp difference without problems... __________________ Who me?

12/07/2018, 11:26 AM	#11
lapin Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Austin Posts: 801	I think it has to do with your tank, stand and house temp. If the tank is glass without a cover or hood and the house is cold it could take a while. I have 2ea JBJ 300W on my 600 and they take 1 hour to heat water .5 degrees F. 78F to 78.5 My tank room is warm so not much heat is lost thru the air. 2 sides of my tank are in that room. My house is at 68F __________________ Tank sizes, 2-10's a 55 and one that's about 500gal Current Tank Info: Interior decorating happening

12/05/2018, 01:17 PM	#2
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	I used a 500W finnex titanium heater in my 120. For my 300, I use a 500 and an 800w finnex titanium. I suggest upping the wattage to 2 x 300w.

12/07/2018, 10:41 AM	#10
steallife904 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 944	im thinking the house being that cold is the issue as well. I don't let mine get under 70. Maybe try to keep it at 70???? But it doesn't seem like an issue, I think when mine comes on it take about 30 or 45 min.

12/18/2018, 12:13 AM	#12
Seasidenj Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 55	Alot has to do with what the temperature is in the room the tanks are in