Topic: Heaters

[Pam]

"I'm looking at moving up to a 100/120 Gal tank"

Take time to review your waters current, inline heaters are great, you can actually use less wattage to heater then submersibles. However if your tank is deep, you will need to add additional current to help mix the water for even temps.
Water coming out of your return tube will stay on top of the cooler water. On my 150 gallon I added a power head and a DIY extension for the intake tube to reach the bottom cooler water of the deep tank. I used a few thermometers (cheap investment) placed at different levels and sides of the tank to review the progress until I finally got the whole tank to flow properly at the desired temp.   

[talib25mm]

"I'm looking at moving up to a 100/120 Gal tank"

Take time to review your waters current, inline heaters are great, you can actually use less wattage to heater then submersibles. However if your tank is deep, you will need to add additional current to help mix the water for even temps.
Water coming out of your return tube will stay on top of the cooler water. On my 150 gallon I added a power head and a DIY extension for the intake tube to reach the bottom cooler water of the deep tank. I used a few thermometers (cheap investment) placed at different levels and sides of the tank to review the progress until I finally got the whole tank to flow properly at the desired temp.   

Thanks Pam for replying!!
That is some very good info . I did move up to a 120 Gal tank and it isn't to deep. It is approx 26 inch's deep. I was tinking of going the DIY undergravel jet route to help circulate the water. not sure though of the best size pump to go with. I don't want it to be weak but I also don't want to BLOW the fish & gravel out onto the floor... my wife would have my "you know what" on a platter! Any suggestions??

[Pam]

I admire the DIY spirit just have no to very little experience to share on DIY or with under gravel jets or under gravel filters. I used a piece of plastic tubing (similar to python tubing) to extend my intake tube to pull the lower water column to the canister. Would love to see pics as you build and modify your project.

Here is a good article on a DIY project, even discusses the pumps the author choose and why.http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/ug_jets.php

Perhaps one of the more knowledgeable DIY forum members can pipe in on their recommendations.

[talib25mm]

Hey Pam,

I just finished the cabinet, and now currently working on the Styrofoam rocks & cliffs. I'm looking into the pumps WRT to sizes that I'll need so i will post some pic as i go along. I need to figure out how to shrink my pics down so i can post them! I should probably start this new thread in the DIY section

Cheers, Darren

P.S.  I finally got the inline heater, only to find out that the fluval FX5's tubes are an inch in diameter... not 5/8's, so there is something else added to my list to sort out