600L Heater options?

[ZoddyZod]

Hello!

What options are there for heating a 600L?

I currently have 2 x 300w heaters (same make/model) running which have the 'dial' type setting for temperature. Have run these for years, but I'm constantly thinking that one might be doing all the work as I doubt they are super accurate. So, looking at alternatives....

The Fluval E series, (300w) with digital display seem well reviewed, but are pricey. I've also seen heaters of 800w by Hyger, but no idea I'd that's a brand to be trusted.

Anyone running big tanks with multiple or >600w heaters they could recommend?

 

[MaloK]

Using multiple heaters in the same tank, That is a better idea, at least you have some redundancy.

You could use a controller to make sure that both are working at unison, Ranco has a reputation for reliability and being well built, I haven't tried them. I've only used inkbirds in the past.

 

[Colin_T]

I would stay with two x 300 watt heaters. As Malok said, if one fails you still have the other one to keep the water warm enough until you get the broken one fixed.

If you insulate the base, back and sides of the tank with 1 to 2 inch thick polystyrene foam sheets, that will reduce the load on the heaters. Coverglass also help trap heat in the water.

 

[ZoddyZod]

I will always run 2 heaters, to protect against 1 failing, but as I said, there is no easy way for me to check if both current 300w heaters are working or only 1 (as they have no constant display, etc.) That's why I am considering heaters with digital displays, and have seen several that are >300w, so was seeing if anyone had experience and recommendations?

 

[Colin_T]

I think @Magnum Man has some big heaters on his tanks.

 

[Magnum Man]

Most of my tanks have a Hygger 500 watt heater ( I also use AQQA brand ) on my tanks in the house, ( most are 45 gallon thru 65 gallon ) I only run one heater in each tank… but I have 2 tanks in an unheated entryway ( a 45 gallon, and a 65 gallon ) that room is insulated but unheated… it gets below freezing out there, in the dead of winter, I use 2 - 500 watt heaters in the 45 gallon, and 1 - 800 watt heater in the 65 gallon, their purpose is 2 fold, to keep the tanks warm… but also the radiant heat keeps the entryway at normal room temperature through out the winter…

I also have 3 - 275 gallon tanks outside, that I raise Tilapia in ( spring, summer, and fall ), and as long as I keep the heaters clean, a single 500 watt heater will keep a tank at the proper temperature, even when the late fall temperatures drop below freezing, at nights… but I have a couple back up 800 watts if needed if we get an early fall blizzard, before I harvest the fish…( the cold winds challenge the heaters most )

I have had a couple heaters quit working over the years (I think all were other brands, so far anyway ) but with the digital read outs they are easy to monitor, and change out if needed…

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