Heater for 180gal

[fullmonti]

I'm setting up a 180 Discus tank. Never had a large tank I needed to keep this warm. I was thinking one of those Finnex titanium heaters with a controller, maybe 500W. What do you think? That do it or some thing better?

Jim

[TURQ64]

If you did a search here, you'd find many posts regarding the 5 Finnex 500w titanium's I had go south in short order..big mistake, IMO

[fullmonti]

I did, there are many many, most are a few years old. Was hoping for some current experiences. Like yours about Finnex not being a good choice.

[fullmonti]

JBJ true temp?

[atitagain]

JBJ true temp?

Just had my second one crap out on me this week in less than a year. I ended up picking up a second 1000 watt Titanium Heater w/ ETCI Controller from Jehmco

[Darrell Ward]

Just had my second one crap out on me this week in less than a year. I ended up picking up a second 1000 watt Titanium Heater w/ ETCI Controller from Jehmco

I lost 2 of those exact 1000 watt JEHMCO heaters in 2 or 3 months time. The last one burned out and trashed the circuit boad in the controller, melted the plug on the heater, and socket on the controller. A giant heater is not really needed on a 180 anyway. 2- 250 watt Jagers will easily keep the temp in the eighties.

[cjr8420]

I lost 2 of those exact 1000 watt JEHMCO heaters in 2 or 3 months time. The last one burned out and trashed the circuit boad in the controller, melted the plug on the heater, and socket on the controller. A giant heater is not really needed on a 180 anyway. 2- 250 watt Jagers will easily keep the temp in the eighties.
+1 on 2 jagers

[Jennie]

2 300 watt jagers

[fullmonti]

I guess I have been very lucky. I have been using 2 Hydro 300W (just what the LFS sold) with a Ranco controller for chiller/heater for three years now, no problems. I would want a controller for the jagers too.

Thanks all
Jim

[Jhhnn]

Near as I can tell, Jagers are still the best, and using a ranco controller with 'em is even better. Calibrate the jagers, set 'em to a temp somewhat above the anticipated maximum, let the ranco control them at a lower temp. I've been successful using finnex hc-0800 controllers from Kensfish with Jagers, as well, but the rancos are better equipment .

[fullmonti]

That is just about exactly what I'd decided to do. I have had a Ranco controller on my chiller/heater with out a hitch. And every one seems to like the Jagers.

Thanks
Jim