heater for 144 gallon tank

[agrainger]

about to start my new tank.
using the method of 4 to 5 watts per gallon figured 600w would be good especially considering i am planning on a discus tank that has higher temps.

i ordered two jager 300w heaters. when i got them in they say they are rated for 159 to 264 gallons each.

my question is should i use both or just put one in and keep the other as backup.

 

[neilanh]

It's a good idea to use multiple heaters, so if one fails you don't go without heat.

 

[agrainger]

can you use a temp controller. say finnex hc-0810 rated for 800w with these heaters by just turning the knob on the heater all the way up?

that way both heater would work together.

 

[neilanh]

You can use an external temp controller, it's a pretty good idea actually as it can prevent overheating if a heater gets stuck in the ON position, which does happen. If you do that, though, don't set the heaters all the way up, set them appropriately for the temp you want to maintain, kind of a fail-safe system that way.

 

[BigJim]

+1 Multiple heaters and an external heater controller would be the way to go if you can afford it.

 

[Floyd R Turbo]

I just got one of these

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f60/review-of-jbj-true-temp-digital-controller-138858.html

very happy with it so far...