One heater or two?

DKRST

Thanks Byron!
It was the Marineland stealth heaters that were recalled. The Aqueon heaters, which resemble the stealth heater appearance, have no current listed recall notices that I could find.

I have not seen the Fluval heaters. They sound intriguing. I have two Eheims, but they don't hold the temp as steady as I'd like. It bounces around 1-3 F a day.

Byron

My older functioning heaters are Jaeger (150w) and Tronics (200w), purchased in the mid-1990's. One of my Eheim canisters has the heating element built in, and I sure like that. That tank never fluctuates more than a couple decimal points of a degree. It was the last Eheim I bought, 1997, and has run continuously ever since on my 90g. Flawless.

AbbeysDad

Thanks for the clarification!

AbbeysDad

Okay, I'm convinced that two heaters (like two heads) is better than one.
I noticed the temp in the 60g was a bit high, so I adjusted down some, but the temp response relative to the setting was bothersome and it seemed like the heater wasn't cycling like I thought it should be.
Now I'm in watchful eye mode and just replaced a bucket of cooler water and the heater cycled, so I think it's okay....but I'm watching.
But realizing that two heaters won't stop a runaway, but does ensure that if one fails, there's a backup.
So, I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt to have another in there warming up in the bull pen...just in case.

(although I'm thinking of another 200w) - need to start saving my green stamps fer all these hobby accessories!

Byron

The benefit of two heaters over one is not just a "backup" feature. Perhaps even more important is the fact that with 2 they each work less hard to heat the tank, and are on less often. That prolongs their life, plus it means less chance of failures. Couple this with the fact that the higher wattage heaters are usually better made to start with, if you choose a good brand, and you have very reliable operation.

I have frequently opinioned that the heater is one place where money should not be the deciding factor; buy the best you can. Lighting can fail and filters can fail, but neither is likely to cause quick fish loss. But a malfunctioning heater overnight can kill the tank of fish by overheating or not heating (in winter). I speak from experience. Don't skimp on heaters.

AbbeysDad

Right....might be a little tricky getting the settings just right for load balancing, but I hear you...
In any event another heater is only about $20~ - which is a small price for the protection and piece of mind.

SinCrisis

i just run 1 heater and keep a backup heater in storage, my jager sits right outside of the return tube to the tank so the water is heated as soon as it exits the filter and is circulated through my entire tank. But then again my tank is only 3ft long so theres not that much space to heat.

Byron

Yes, i only have one heater in my 3-foot 33g.