Benefit of two heaters - Page 2

sphelps · #1 03-14-2013, 02:41 AM

BTW I also agree with redundancy like others have talked about but don't forget about control redundancy as well. If you run multiple heaters all large enough to do damage an external controller for temp control would be a wise addition.

subman · #2 03-14-2013, 02:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

BTW I also agree with redundancy like others have talked about but don't forget about control redundancy as well. If you run multiple heaters all large enough to do damage an external controller for temp control would be a wise addition.

yes! +1 I actually run 2 large heaters but they are controlled separate controllers

HarleyC · #3 03-14-2013, 02:55 AM

Good point subman. I have both mine coming off the controller through a splitter. Which basically means one heater. My thought was, if one fails, it will still control the other. If the controller fails, I guess that could be an issue as you would have no power to either heater.
Is that why you use two controllers.
tks

subman · #4 03-14-2013, 03:03 AM

I actually only use one heater the other is set to wait 45min before kicking in. If it fails off the temp has to be below the set point for that period of time before turning on. I can't actually see the controller failing to shut the outlet off, but I've been wrong before lol

HarleyC · #5 03-14-2013, 03:11 AM

Man! the multiple scenarios we have to put our brains through , just for some piece of mind and there are some companies making some nice coin out of our paranoia LOL

spit.fire · #6 03-14-2013, 08:27 AM

I run 3 300w because anything less they have a hard time maintaining the temp on my system in the winter. Also if 1 fails it cannot overheat my system

asylumdown · #7 03-14-2013, 05:35 PM

I've got 2 300 watt heaters controlled by an Apex on my tank, which is about 375 gallons of overall water volume. I ran my display tank disconnected from my sump for 5 weeks once (i.e. with no heater of any kind), and on the main floor of my house I never had a problem.

I've never had heater issues on salt water tanks, but I would concur that they don't fail in the off position. I lost two entire planted freshwater tanks to that very problem. It's why I won't use any one heater that by itself could cook my tank