Heaters

[chris301up]

This may seem like a silly question but here goes.

How can two, or more heaters be set to exactly the right temperature so they switch on and of at the same times?

 

[K_Hedin]

With the cheaper heaters that heat to a different temperature than where have it set that will probably never happen. Also unless the flow in the tank is absolutely amazing you will probably never have them coming on at the same time as one side may be 72 degrees and the other side is 73 degrees. This is my guess at it. Maybe there is a way to make it happen.

 

[FishFillet]

Hmmm, well i guess if you get a heater with variable temperture it will balance the temperture on both sides of the tank but there probly wont come on at the same time, but thats a good thing...

 

[chris301up]

Sorry. I may have misled you?

I prefer to use two heaters in larger aquariums, mainly because if one of them becomes faulty then the other is there for back up. Also, I believe there can be cold spots within the water and this also helps to eliminate this problem.

Anyway, what I was really asking is: how can I calibrate them so that they as close to each other as possible, or is it pure guess work?

 

[K_Hedin]

I would set one heater and get it where you want it. Then turn that one off. Turn on the other heater and get it match as closely as possible.

 

[Squidward]

Could you not set them both at the same temp? And then switch them both on and see what happens.

I suspect though, that they may not be on at the same time, all the time.
Your tank will have water flow and this will affect it. Also, I have found that thermostats aren't 100% accurate (mine was 2*C out, assuming my thermometer was correct), so you may get some differences from that too.

 

[raptorrex]

This may seem like a silly question but here goes.

How can two, or more heaters be set to exactly the right temperature so they switch on and of at the same times?

the exact answer is no.

even so, two heaters is the safest way to heat the tank.

I have 2 x150w heaters on mine.

cost of the heater does not matter. even the most expensive heaters have little relation between the real temperature, and the settings on the knob.

i have one set a couple of degrees lower. (well it comes on before the other)

i use a spirit thermometer, to judge the temp, not the settings on the heaters.

all in all, its the best system i have found to keep my fish safe.
no, one, heater is capable of overheating the tank. and if one should fail, the other keeps things, ok, till a replacement can be bought.

one of the few times you can have your cake, and eat it.

 

[Mowbz]

This may seem like a silly question but here goes.

How can two, or more heaters be set to exactly the right temperature so they switch on and of at the same times?

the exact answer is no.

Its not silly i see your theory, but +1 to Raptor, its nigh-on impossible due to temperature fluctuation from the filter and any powerheads blowing the water around. No square inches are going to be the exact same. Adding to that, its rare that when a heater says its putting out "27'C" that it actually is. Likely going to a 1/2'C either side.

The ONLY way i can think of doing it (been looking at this recently, but from a multi sensor thermometer switch angle), is to use an external digital thermometer that could be used as a switch. You could then wire both of the heaters in, crank them up to MAX, and let the thermometer turn them on and off simultaniously, negating the built in temp dial. Having said this, its a major electronics project, and not worth even starting unless you have a serious knowledge of electronics.

Ive been looking into it to building a "team" of heater controlled by a central box with several sensors in the tank. Likely only suitable/worthwhile for huge tanks however....


EDIT - Spelling

 

[Geoff-]

guesswork, but near enough is good enough