Eheim Jager 150-watt issues

[Rakolde]

Anyone using these heaters having issues maintaining proper temperature? I have 2 for a 90gal and the temp drop and rises 2-5 degrees throughout the day. My temp is at 90f now and can be anywhere between 88-93.
I tried to calibrate them but they are always on when I look. This is my 3rd set not sure why they won't work proper. if anyone has a solution that would be great! If not recommendations for new heaters would be appreciated.

[TexMoHoosier]

I use them in a planted, non-discus aquarium. I get temp swings of about 2 degrees F (cooler over night) but attributed that to my 4 T5HO lights heating the aquarium some. I've also never been able to calibrate them, which seems to be a common problem. The best way to solve your problem with temp swings is a temperature controller (I think they are $40 and up on amazon). I've never bothered with one since 2 degree swings is no big deal in my plated tanks, but it sounds like you have more of an issue than I do.

[Fishquake]

Yes, you'll need a temp controller when using multiple heaters.

[DJW]

I use these, only $16...

http://www.amazon.com/Lerway-All-Purpose-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat/dp/B00BMLCGF8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1448644507&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=stc+1000+temperature+controller&psc=1

-Dan

[Tshethar]

I bought some of the same heaters recently for non-discus tanks, but have decided I really don't want to run heaters anymore without some type of controller--something I had never thought about until I joined this forum. It just seems as though sooner or later, no matter the brand, the units either fail (usually in the "on" position) or there are calibration problems such as you mention. There is an old thread on here you can search that will walk you through the process of wiring your own controller, which may be especially worthwhile for higher wattage applications, or potentially fun if you feel like tinkering.

I followed some other folks who bought Finnex varieties. There is one for up to 800 watts, and another for up to 300 watts (), which could work for your setup.

As mentioned above, a controller is definitely the way to go if you have multiple heaters--they'll wear out faster if they compete with each other cycling on and off.

[Tshethar]

Oops, tried to link and failed... here is the smaller/cheaper variety: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007480AP6/ref=rr_xsim_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1448645128&sr=0

[DJW]

Here is the thread on how to wire the controller linked in my earlier post. These are very reliable.

http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?117110-20-00-Controller-how-to-wiring-(easy)

[Rakolde]

I think I'll try wiring my own temp controller the guide you linked seems easy enough. How would I set it up to use 2 heaters on it? just a 2 plug extension cord?

[DJW]

I got one of those 10ft extension cords with 3 outlets, an odd color so you always know in the tangle which one is heater, cut it in half & used the cut ends for wiring at the controller. Then you can run 3 heaters... or more, I think up to 800 watts. I set the hi/low 0.3 degrees Celsius apart which is the minimum spread.

[rickztahone]

I think I'll try wiring my own temp controller the guide you linked seems easy enough. How would I set it up to use 2 heaters on it? just a 2 plug extension cord?


Check out my thread to see what I did to run 2 heaters:
http://forum.simplydiscus.com/showthread.php?117743-75g-Acrylic-tank-w-40g-sump-(Journal-build-thread)/page3

[Rakolde]

I won't be able to get the controller for a few weeks so i'm going to remove a heater and see if the temp will stabilize for now. Thanks for the help everyone!