Heater placement

SpareParts · 08/19/2008, 02:15 PM

Hi got a question for those of you who use a rubbermaid stock tub as your sump: do you lay your heater directly on the bottom of the tub? Or do you keep it off the bottom, if so, how? I have a 1000w titanium heater. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, I just dont wanna melt the bottom of the tub. I am controlling the heater with a Reefkeeper 2.

griss · 08/19/2008, 02:18 PM

No, do not lay it on the bottom of the stock tank. I speak from experience here. When I was changing tanks a while back, I had some corals in a stock tank. I had a 1000 watt heater, like you, and used the suction cups to stick it to the bottom of the stock tank. BIG MISTAKE. The heater fell over, melted through the bottom, flooded my basement and killed all my corals.

I don't have a suggestion for you, but wanted to keep you from making the same mistake I did.

Gtstricky · 08/19/2008, 02:33 PM

I use a tube made of PVC pipe and put the heater inside. You could even cut it in half length wise and make a tray to lay it in.

SpareParts · 08/19/2008, 02:43 PM

Wow, you can bet I won't be laying it on the bottom! Thanks for the advice.

Would anyone see a problem if I suspended it vertically in the tub, using wire ties to secure it by the power cord? I reckon the risk would be that over time maybe the power cord would work itself loose from the heater?

Macimage · 08/19/2008, 04:08 PM

I would put it into pvc cut with holes.

Plan for the worst case scenario. As you mentioned, there is some risk with suspending it and you know old Murphy's law is always waiting right around the corner waiting for us reefers' to go on vacation!

Joyce

08/19/2008, 02:15 PM	#1
SpareParts Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 112	Heater placement Hi got a question for those of you who use a rubbermaid stock tub as your sump: do you lay your heater directly on the bottom of the tub? Or do you keep it off the bottom, if so, how? I have a 1000w titanium heater. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, I just dont wanna melt the bottom of the tub. I am controlling the heater with a Reefkeeper 2.

08/19/2008, 02:18 PM	#2
griss RC Mod Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: In The Jungle (Wildwood, MO) Posts: 29,214	No, do not lay it on the bottom of the stock tank. I speak from experience here. When I was changing tanks a while back, I had some corals in a stock tank. I had a 1000 watt heater, like you, and used the suction cups to stick it to the bottom of the stock tank. BIG MISTAKE. The heater fell over, melted through the bottom, flooded my basement and killed all my corals. I don't have a suggestion for you, but wanted to keep you from making the same mistake I did. __________________ George Current Tank Info: 40 Gallon Breeder

08/19/2008, 02:33 PM	#3
Gtstricky Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kennett Sq, PA Posts: 496	I use a tube made of PVC pipe and put the heater inside. You could even cut it in half length wise and make a tray to lay it in.

08/19/2008, 02:43 PM	#4
SpareParts Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Illinois Posts: 112	Wow, you can bet I won't be laying it on the bottom! Thanks for the advice. Would anyone see a problem if I suspended it vertically in the tub, using wire ties to secure it by the power cord? I reckon the risk would be that over time maybe the power cord would work itself loose from the heater?

08/19/2008, 04:08 PM	#5
Macimage Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Quartz Hill Posts: 4,078	I would put it into pvc cut with holes. Plan for the worst case scenario. As you mentioned, there is some risk with suspending it and you know old Murphy's law is always waiting right around the corner waiting for us reefers' to go on vacation! Joyce