Heater

[Keith92]

First let me say, I am so thankful that I have my Apex Jr. I received an email alert this morning that my temperature was low. My tank is in the basement and I would have not been aware of it until this evening.
I am looking for opinions on a new heater. Should I purchase one large heater or two smaller units. In the next few months I will be moving the display tank upstairs but the sump and all equipment will remain in the basement. The basement temperature stays cool so I will need additional wattage but I do not need something that looks good or has a thin profile.
When I moved three months ago I added a few old heaters that I had laying around to provide the additional heat I needed having the tank in the basement so I still have heat and I added my last heater to the tank this morning. I am looking for a total between 500w-700w.

[lazylivin]

I like Finnex Titantium heaters the best. They have done really well for me. Your are better off with two heaters each using a different outlet on your Apex and set to a different temperature.
Here is how mine is set.

Stage1Heat (Apex)
if Temp <78.4 Then On
If Temp >78.6 Then Off

Stage2Heat (Apex)
if Temp <78.2 Then On
If Temp >78.5 Then Off

Stage3Heat (not on Apex running on a Ranco Controller)
if Temp <78.0 Then On
If Temp >78.4 Then Off

[Reef Tank 2.0]

I have two heaters in my 170 gallon system.  Both are Eheim 3619's, 300 watts each.  I have them both going in case one fails.

[Keith92]

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Digital-Heater-Controller-Titanium/dp/B0199VOCTU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486650540&sr=8-3&keywords=finnex+titanium+300+watt

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-HMA-300S-Electronic-Controller-Aquarium/dp/B01BKGMVHW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486650708&sr=8-5&keywords=finnex+titanium+300+watt


Is the extra money worth the difference?

[Miles]

I use 3 of the 500W Finnex heaters (2 in main display, one in sump) controlled by 2 temp probes on the apex. Normally only one in the main display and the one in the basement are operational, the second one in the main display is for emergency use if the temp drops too low (had problems a couple winters ago maintaining temp).

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Deluxe-Titanium-Heating-Tube/dp/B0199W7368

[Miles]

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Digital-Heater-Controller-Titanium/dp/B0199VOCTU/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1486650540&sr=8-3&keywords=finnex+titanium+300+watt

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-HMA-300S-Electronic-Controller-Aquarium/dp/B01BKGMVHW/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1486650708&sr=8-5&keywords=finnex+titanium+300+watt


Is the extra money worth the difference?

I would say that it is probably worth the extra cost... the more expensive one has a separate temp controller with it' sown temp probe... I have had one of the cheaper ones go bad and cook fish before.