Heater for sump on 70 gal

[Luky]

I recently removed my AC power heads/wavemaker (koralia), AC return pump and AC skimmer. I have all DC pumps now and my tank which had been good at 75-78F (chiller kicks on at 78F) is now running 70-72F which is a little lower than i want. Looking for suggestions for a "modern" heater to drop into my sump that i can plug into my chiller (will turn heater on when too cold). I have a couple of 300w visitherm heaters from when i lived in Michigan 25 years ago, but dont think they will fit my sump with the rollermat, skimmer and return pump, as i need something shorter in length.

[OhioStreetz]

I would recommend a titanium heater either by BRS or finnex just make sure to replace them every year or so. For 70 gallons a 200-300W would easily do the job.

[Luky]

Thanks for the feedback. Why do you need to replace it every year? Real Titanium should last forever in saltwater... or is that a marketing term for these?

[OhioStreetz]

IT’s recommended to replace all heater once a year due to the threat of them malfunctioning and destroying your entire reef.

[Luky]

I had not heard of this before. Never had a heater "go bad" on me they are such simple devices. Just another sign of poor design and lower manufacturing quality. Looking at reviews on BRS, Amazon, etc., I didnt see one heater without multiple reported issues by people (in way under one year of usage). Seems like the quality of all brands is for .

[Luky]

Are people keep their heaters in the tank or in your sump?

[Leightonandrade]

Sump so it’s out of sight.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Luky]

Dropped one of my old 300w visitherm heaters into my tank yesterday and plugged it into my chiller. Set it on minimum and gradually raised the temp on it over a few hours. Chiller temp control now showing at 77F and my Hanna PH meter showing 75.9F at my return. Since the chiller is controlling the temp, I think I just need to find a short/squat ~200w heating element for my sump.

[TysTanks]

Highly recommend building in redundancy in your heating controller setup. E.G. add a temp controller like Inkbird as well. Remote alarm systems are also very helpful in avoiding disaster. I have an apex as well as an inkbird controlling two heaters.

[Luky]

The problem I am having is that my acrylic sump internal width is only 9.5". I cannot find any "short" 200-300w heaters so far that I can lay in the bottom of the sump next to my compact rollermat. The other side is full with a skimmer and return pump. (My sump is only about the size of a 10gal tank, but a little narrower/taller).

[Luky]

I ordered two Finnex Titanium HMA 150w heaters from SaltwaterAquarium.com today. Under $51 delivered (free shipping) with sale, veterans discount and $10 off coupon code.

I found these are supposed to be under 8" long so should fit in my sump. Will still need to buy another temp controller...