heating 77 gallons

[gomery12]

I have a aqueon proflex sump 3 holds 20 gallons. Wondering if anyone has used this and what heaters you put in it. Would i put two 100 w or one 200. Is there a good 200 w with a smaller size that would fit and where did u put them. Using as a refugium. Heating total of 70g depending on rock and sand displacement. Could be close to 60. Also what kind of sand if im using a vortec mp10. Caribsea aragonite live? Special reef grade? Any other ideas? Thought thanks. Build thread is in member tanks goms illuminata 57g

 

[FishBeard]

I'm a huge fan of seaflor special grade sand for all tanks that don't require sugar grain for soft bellies like rays and sharks. Regarding the heater, as long as its submersible, it does not have to stand vertically to operate, you can place it in the dump at an angle to get it submerged. Two smaller heaters or one larger heater, of equal wattage will still be on/off the same total time. With 2 heaters you double your chance of a failure, but cut the failure issue in half if one sticks on (100w locked on, vs 200w locked on) and the other heater will remain off. I'd just go with the one larger heater on a controller, but that's my opinion, I have one 300w heater on a 180 and it's doing fine, heater is rated for 1/3 that water volume.