| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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04-10-2006, 09:08 AM
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#1
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 79
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normal temp swing or heater malfunction?
Usually we keep our house temp at 67* and my tank stays at 80*. However, when it gets around 50* outside, I like to open a window to get fresh air in the house. When I do my tank temp drops to like 76*--77*. Why isn't my tank heater keeping up. Its a Hagen Thermal Compact Preset Heater, 150 Watt and the tank is a 29g. Do I need a new, or second, or bigger heater?
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewI...product=HG10714
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04-10-2006, 09:29 AM
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#2
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I loves me a water change
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: WI
Posts: 7,491
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Hmmm...a 150W should be able to warm a 29. How long does it take for the tank to get back up to 80?
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Chris
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04-10-2006, 09:31 AM
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#3
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,888
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Should be able to feel if the heater is working by touching the surface....go easy as it may be hot!
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Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
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04-10-2006, 09:31 AM
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#4
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The Muddy Mod
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Uxbridge, MA
Posts: 4,981
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When you have that window open, what is the ambient air temperature outside of the tank?
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04-10-2006, 09:32 AM
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#5
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Shark
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Toledo OH
Posts: 4,888
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Also is the window that you open next to the tank? If so the 50* air blowing across the tank is a big temp differential....plus you tank is probably glass so it doesn't insulate well!
__________________
Nano reef in the works
TIM MADE ME DO IT, Yet Robert made him do it, yet Casey made him do it!
Yet the voices in all their heads made them do it (skeety)
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04-10-2006, 10:14 AM
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#6
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Just some guy, you know?
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Phoenix AZ
Posts: 17,711
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I had a 29 in my room right next to a window, it was planted freshwater but normaly would run at 80 or so. When I would open the window it would drop to 70 if left unchecked and this is with a 200W heater. I think if you got a second 150W heater, set to 1 deg colder than the other, it should help you here, that is what I did.
Whiskey
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"Life is a daring adventure - Or nothing."
"Be the water, not the rock."
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04-10-2006, 10:18 AM
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#7
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Plankton
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Atlanta GA
Posts: 37
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Wiskey
I had a 29 in my room right next to a window, it was planted freshwater but normaly would run at 80 or so. When I would open the window it would drop to 70 if left unchecked and this is with a 200W heater. I think if you got a second 150W heater, set to 1 deg colder than the other, it should help you here, that is what I did.
Whiskey
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Same Here, Had to have 2 150W heaters to keep up.
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04-10-2006, 12:53 PM
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#8
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Ohio
Posts: 79
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Tank is about 15ft away from the window, but the air flow has to go around the tank to flow anywhere. The tankb is glass. The heater is working, but it takes a while for it to get back up to 80*. I'll try a second 150w this week to see if it helps. Till then my window will stay shut unless I'm home to monitor the temp. I'll get back to you all with the results.
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04-10-2006, 01:04 PM
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#9
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: bend, oregon
Posts: 10,529
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It might be me, but i have experimented with numerous brands or heaters over the last year, and frankly NONE of them work accurately enough for my liking. Ive tried placing them everywhere, using 2 smaller ones, and others. The best results i have had is with two of them both placed in between the same baffle on my sump, and for what its worth....those best results was still a 4 degree swing on somedays. I keep my house at 65 or so year round. im looking forward to my chiller(110, that unit you suggested whould be here today) arriving which will control the heater on/off as well.
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04-10-2006, 03:07 PM
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#10
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Professor Chaos
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Arkham Asylum
Posts: 9,629
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Don't worry too much. The ocean changes temperature all the time and from time to time cold currents will hit the reef. it is not a big deal. I would upgrade to acrylic for insulation.
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 I mix twinkies and ding dongs all the time, in Europe they call it a Dinky -- Homer Simpson
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04-10-2006, 03:32 PM
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#11
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: bend, oregon
Posts: 10,529
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Twitterbait
I would upgrade to acrylic for insulation.
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Theres a statement based on perception!!!!!
Love ya man.
I will however say that when i buy a new tank this fall I am going to buck up and buy one with an acrylic BACK on it
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Zoa and paly pics HERE
SPS pics HERE
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04-10-2006, 10:53 PM
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#12
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 23,164
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I'd buy a 200Watt!
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