Hydor in-line heater

[hultman]

Has anyone used the Hydor in-line heater? I have a small sump and I don't like heaters in the tank, so I was thinking of trying one.

One problem I can see is that I have two return lines. I'd obviously only have the heater on one, and I am thinking that may be a problem holding a steady temp.

Any thoughts on this?

Jim

 

[slipknottin]

How are your return lines plumbed? Are they split off a common pump, or do you have two return pumps?

If they are split from one pump, could you put the heater before the T?

Of coruse, Id imagine it would function fine if you put the heater in one of the return lines also, but ideally you would want to put it before they are split.

 

[hultman]

I use one pump, a MAG 5. I split the line because I have one side of the return going through a UV and I wanted to reduce the flow through the UV for longer exposure. It's only a 40 gallon tank, and I figure I've probably got over 300gph even after the plumbing with a four foot head, which I think is too much for an 8W UV.

I was thinking of replumbing the system to do as you suggest and get the heater in the main line before the split. To accomplish that in the limited space available, I'd have to give up some of the quick connectors I have in place now, but I can live with that.

Has anyone used the Hydor product? I believe in the idea that your water temp shouldn't vary by more than two degrees. My old Ebo-Jagers have always been pretty good, but they won't fit the sump and the Hydor was the only in-line unit I could find. I know nothing about them. Oh well, I guess I'll find out if they're any good when it gets here!

Jim

 

[slipknottin]

I doubt anybody here is using them, theyve only been on the market for a month or two now.

 

[hultman]

Just a quick followup on the Hydor in-line heater. It's been in the system for a week or so now and I'm liking it.

The quality of the unit seems pretty good. It uses the old Eheim style hose connection system, which simplifies installation, and even though I have it on only one of the two tank returns, my temp is holding between 77.2 and 77.6.