Reefs.org Forums

[Matt_]

Curious if anybody is using something like this for a nano. I'm looking to heat a 2-3 gallon tank but don't want something as large as a submersible inside the tank. I would stick this to the back of the tank and heat through the glass.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=6545

What wattage for how many gallons have you used?

[seamaiden]

I've always gone with the same as in-tank heaters, though I haven't used that many undertank heaters. However, since it's probably going to stick pretty well, I'd put it under the tank. Also, I really like having thermostatic control, and that Repti-therm does not appear to have such controllability. Perhaps an outside thermostat would suffice.

I am immediately reminded of my Electric Blanket Sandwich.

Edit: 1-2W/gal. is how I start my calculations. Probably you do the same, yes?

[Matt_]

I've always gone with the same as in-tank heaters, though I haven't used that many undertank heaters. However, since it's probably going to stick pretty well, I'd put it under the tank. Also, I really like having thermostatic control, and that Repti-therm does not appear to have such controllability. Perhaps an outside thermostat would suffice.

I am immediately reminded of my Electric Blanket Sandwich.

Edit: 1-2W/gal. is how I start my calculations. Probably you do the same, yes?

Ah, it didn't occur to me that these don't have a thermostat. That sucks.

[seamaiden]

Yeah, but you can still probably rig something up that uses a very unobtrusive probe and would then link back to a relay that would control the pad. Right?

[Matt_]

Yeah, but you can still probably rig something up that uses a very unobtrusive probe and would then link back to a relay that would control the pad. Right?

Yeah, but that'd be a mess. I don't want the equipment taking up more space than the tank itself.

I detest the clutter associated with the really tiny tanks, including timers, heaters, filter intakes, etc. along with the dozen or so wires, plugs, powerstrip, etc. in a pile a foot away from the tank.

It'd be really nice if somebody could build a clean integrated unit that could sit behind the tank, or underneath it, which contained plugs, timers, etc. with associated switches and ONE power cord that goes to the nearest wall outlet.

Anyhoo, I digress. I think this will fit the bill:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=18445

[seamaiden]

Wow, now that looks like a nice little unit.

[Snailman]

Yeah, but you can still probably rig something up that uses a very unobtrusive probe and would then link back to a relay that would control the pad. Right?

Yeah, but that'd be a mess. I don't want the equipment taking up more space than the tank itself.

I detest the clutter associated with the really tiny tanks, including timers, heaters, filter intakes, etc. along with the dozen or so wires, plugs, powerstrip, etc. in a pile a foot away from the tank.

It'd be really nice if somebody could build a clean integrated unit that could sit behind the tank, or underneath it, which contained plugs, timers, etc. with associated switches and ONE power cord that goes to the nearest wall outlet.

Anyhoo, I digress. I think this will fit the bill:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=18445

Matt,

I bought one of these last night for my Deco 3. I will let you know how it works.

[Matt_]

Yeah, but you can still probably rig something up that uses a very unobtrusive probe and would then link back to a relay that would control the pad. Right?

Yeah, but that'd be a mess. I don't want the equipment taking up more space than the tank itself.

I detest the clutter associated with the really tiny tanks, including timers, heaters, filter intakes, etc. along with the dozen or so wires, plugs, powerstrip, etc. in a pile a foot away from the tank.

It'd be really nice if somebody could build a clean integrated unit that could sit behind the tank, or underneath it, which contained plugs, timers, etc. with associated switches and ONE power cord that goes to the nearest wall outlet.

Anyhoo, I digress. I think this will fit the bill:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=18445

Matt,

I bought one of these last night for my Deco 3. I will let you know how it works.

Thanks.

I tested it on the 1 gallon a few nights ago and it worked well overnight with the house heater off and the tank open topped...

[seamaiden]

How cold do you think it got in the house?

[Goldstein]

Matt, you might look and see if you can find a small cable type undergravel heater instead. They are designed for planted tanks / freshwater so not sure how they'd stand up to salt water.

I've tried a similar brand to what you posted originally and it was marginal. I wouldn't use one in anything larger than a 1 gallong betta bowl personally.

[Matt_]

How cold do you think it got in the house?

No idea. 60 maybe?

[Matt_]

Matt, you might look and see if you can find a small cable type undergravel heater instead. They are designed for planted tanks / freshwater so not sure how they'd stand up to salt water.

I've tried a similar brand to what you posted originally and it was marginal. I wouldn't use one in anything larger than a 1 gallong betta bowl personally.

I've used one of those cable heaters on a SW tank and it worked fine.

In this case it would be too big, unfortunately--you need to submerge the whole cable and I just don't have enough room for that. The tank is only 6" x 6" at the bottom with a total volume of 1.25 g.

Fortunately this little heater I got seems to work fine.

[pslee]

I've used a product called "Flexiwatt" to heat a 1g freshwater planted tank. It is a cut to fit heating element designed to heat reptile breeding racks. The Flexiwatt was rated at 10W/ft and I placed a 6"x3" piece directly underneath my tank. Along with the use of a reptile thermostat, I was able to keep the tank within 75-80*F.

I currently have a 1g reef. I am heating it with a cheapy heater($6, don't remember the brand but they are quite reliable) from Walmart, which is controlled by a Ranco. The tank fluctuates from 77*F in the morning to 82*F by late afternoon.

Little tanks are so much fun to work with

[Matt_]

I've used a product called "Flexiwatt" to heat a 1g freshwater planted tank. It is a cut to fit heating element designed to heat reptile breeding racks. The Flexiwatt was rated at 10W/ft and I placed a 6"x3" piece directly underneath my tank. Along with the use of a reptile thermostat, I was able to keep the tank within 75-80*F.

I currently have a 1g reef. I am heating it with a cheapy heater($6, don't remember the brand but they are quite reliable) from Walmart, which is controlled by a Ranco. The tank fluctuates from 77*F in the morning to 82*F by late afternoon.

Little tanks are so much fun to work with

Hey Patrick!



Pictures?