temperature safety idea

woodstock '69 · 10/17/2006, 03:06 PM

Hows this?

Setting up my tank. 50Gal. To make sure I never burn up the tank with a stuck heater, I have been experimenting with a couple new jager heaters.

If I use the 100 watt heater and turn it all the way up (says 91 degrees on the dial) the tank stays around 81.5 to 82.5. It won't go above 82.5.

If I do this, the heater will stay on most of the time (I think - don't know for sure yet - but 3 days of testing seem to bear this out).

This may reduce the heaters life? and may cost a little more per month in electricity, but its as safe as you can get I think.

If all the power is off, the tank will go down to about 69.5 - so I am probably ok in a power outage - short term anyway.

Does this work? Is this a good idea or am I missing something?

Michael

dc · 10/17/2006, 04:39 PM

Well, I'm not sure that I think it makes sense to me. You're putting stress on the heater, and what will you do when it burns out on you? You'll be in the same boat, so what difference would it make?

EdKruzel · 10/17/2006, 04:44 PM

I agree with Deb on this one; heaters are inexpensive; purchase a quality heater large enough to maintain the tank and set it appropriately.
It is always wise to have a second heater stored away in case of a malfunction.

82, even 84 is acceptable, but if your tank drops to 69.5 even for a short period of time, you're probably going to have several losses.

woodstock '69 · 10/17/2006, 05:30 PM

Gosh and Gollee - I thought I was a shoe in for genius of the year with that one!

~Debi~ - you're probably right. I was thinking that this would prevent the tank from ever overheating so even if the heater was worn out in a year, it is still worth the insurance of knowing that the tank couldn't ever have a meltdown (from high temps).

EdKruzel - you're probably right too. I figured if the heater broke at night the tank would only drop to 69.5 and I would put in a new heater the next morning. I didn't think that would hurt the animals.

But I do defer to both of your years of experience and appreciate your comments.

Michael

10/17/2006, 03:06 PM	#1
woodstock '69 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: central virginia Posts: 368	temperature safety idea Hows this? Setting up my tank. 50Gal. To make sure I never burn up the tank with a stuck heater, I have been experimenting with a couple new jager heaters. If I use the 100 watt heater and turn it all the way up (says 91 degrees on the dial) the tank stays around 81.5 to 82.5. It won't go above 82.5. If I do this, the heater will stay on most of the time (I think - don't know for sure yet - but 3 days of testing seem to bear this out). This may reduce the heaters life? and may cost a little more per month in electricity, but its as safe as you can get I think. If all the power is off, the tank will go down to about 69.5 - so I am probably ok in a power outage - short term anyway. Does this work? Is this a good idea or am I missing something? Michael

10/17/2006, 04:39 PM	#2
dc Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Wyoming Posts: 44,684	Well, I'm not sure that I think it makes sense to me. You're putting stress on the heater, and what will you do when it burns out on you? You'll be in the same boat, so what difference would it make? __________________ Debi ~60 Cube~ Why? Because I said so of course. -Sent via Tapatalk Smoke Signals-

10/17/2006, 04:44 PM	#3
EdKruzel Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 7,384	I agree with Deb on this one; heaters are inexpensive; purchase a quality heater large enough to maintain the tank and set it appropriately. It is always wise to have a second heater stored away in case of a malfunction. 82, even 84 is acceptable, but if your tank drops to 69.5 even for a short period of time, you're probably going to have several losses. __________________ When you find yourself in "Deep Water" it's best to keep your mouth shut! Current Tank Info: 65RR Cube Mixed Reef

10/17/2006, 05:30 PM	#4
woodstock '69 Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: central virginia Posts: 368	Gosh and Gollee - I thought I was a shoe in for genius of the year with that one! ~Debi~ - you're probably right. I was thinking that this would prevent the tank from ever overheating so even if the heater was worn out in a year, it is still worth the insurance of knowing that the tank couldn't ever have a meltdown (from high temps). EdKruzel - you're probably right too. I figured if the heater broke at night the tank would only drop to 69.5 and I would put in a new heater the next morning. I didn't think that would hurt the animals. But I do defer to both of your years of experience and appreciate your comments. Michael