Thinking of buying an inline heater, but ???

[The Shield]

I'm getting tired of the little things I have to do when I change the water in my 100g, such was turning off the heater for one. I was browsing the net and came across the Hydor ETH 300 inline heater. The specs say it's rated up to 80g. I have a Hydor Theo 400w in the tank now and it runs effortlessly at 78*F. I came across LH's post in a thread here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]), and am wondering if I'll be OK with just running the inline? Plus I want to clean up the inside of the tank a bit. I can't seem to find a 400w inline anywhere.

[smaug]

I do not think they make an inling bigger then 300 watts.I have 2 of them on 2 seperate tanks both in the 55 gal range and there performance is great.I dont think just one 300w will do the job on a 100 gal without being constantly on,which could get expensive and would certainly shorten the lifespan of the heater.

[Fishguy2727]

Depending on how much it needs to warm the water 3 wpg on such a large tank can be enough since the large body of water will hold its temp better than a smaller volume.

[Algenco]

Total agreement with Smaug, I am very pleased with my ETH300, running just one would be just under 3wpg, if the room temp was never less than 10 degrees of desired tank temp it would work, 2 would be better

[The Shield]

Total agreement with Smaug, I am very pleased with my ETH300, running just one would be just under 3wpg, if the room temp was never less than 10 degrees of desired tank temp it would work, 2 would be better
I don't know why, but I never thought about room temp (duh). The tank is in my basement, which is 71-72 in the winter and 69-70 in summer.

[Algenco]

I don't know why, but I never thought about room temp (duh). The tank is in my basement, which is 71-72 in the winter and 69-70 in summer.


5wpg can maintain tank temps 15 degrees above room temp

[Sarkazmo]

Here ya go, DIY plans on making your own in-line heater ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]).

Sark

[MCHRKiller]

I run the 300watt Hydor Inline on my 100G SA tank, does a fine job of keeping my tank temperature where it needs to be. I also hate the look of excess junk in the tank. My room temp is always in the low 70s so it honestly doesnt need to work very hard to keep things consistant. With your room temp never needing to heat the water more than 8* higher the 300watt should do very well, Inlines are also many times more efficient than In-tank models simply based on the fact regular heaters usually dont get good water circulation around them...so they dont heat the water evenly. Inlines on the other hand heat fresh water as it flows through it making it more efficient at keeping the tank the same temperature. 100G tanks also take a good while to cool down so once you have it at the correct temp it wont take alot of effort to maintain it at such.

[smaug]

There ya go,there is nothing like IME vs my IMO .Now I know.I always wondered if the 300 w eth would do the bigger tanks.

[sheamurai]

I know most folks would say mine is too small, but I have a 200w eth on my 77 gal, and it maintains it pretty easily. Doesn't come on any more often than the heaters in other tanks.
Not sure if I'll pay for it down the road if it kaks out sooner that it should, but we'll see...also, its in the living room, so its never more than 5 degrees warmer (usually) than the room.

How long should you expect a heater to last, anyway? The warranties are never for long, thats for sure.

[Algenco]

I know most folks would say mine is too small, but I have a 200w eth on my 77 gal, and it maintains it pretty easily. Doesn't come on any more often than the heaters in other tanks.
Not sure if I'll pay for it down the road if it kaks out sooner that it should, but we'll see...also, its in the living room, so its never more than 5 degrees warmer (usually) than the room.

How long should you expect a heater to last, anyway? The warranties are never for long, thats for sure.


I think that heater is fine for your situation, as you stated the temp difference isn't much

[The Shield]

I appreciate everyones input. I think my mind is made up after reading everyone's thoughts and I'll take the chance. I'll always have my current Hydor as back up if the ETH doesn't cut it. I'll try to remember to give an update to this thread after a few weeks of running it when it comes in. Thanks again gang!

[MCHRKiller]

I just run 2*200watt Hydor Inlines on my 150G, most fish and plants prefer a temp of 76-78*F and most of our homes are in the low 70s. Not to mention the limited amount of heat given off by the equipment motors and lighting systems themselves. My oldest ETH is probably 2 years old and going strong...well cared for equipment can definatly be long lived. :22:

[smaug]

I know most folks would say mine is too small, but I have a 200w eth on my 77 gal, and it maintains it pretty easily. Doesn't come on any more often than the heaters in other tanks.
Not sure if I'll pay for it down the road if it kaks out sooner that it should, but we'll see...also, its in the living room, so its never more than 5 degrees warmer (usually) than the room.

How long should you expect a heater to last, anyway? The warranties are never for long, thats for sure.
Mine has been in use for over 4yrs now.