55 Gal Heating!

[Fish are friends]

what would be the best way of heating my 55gal tank... would a 200w and a 100 w heater (one on either end) be ok or should i get a 300 or 400 watt for the center???

 

[Juggler75]

for most tanks (in central heated homes) 1w per litre is sufficient. So 55G is 208l, so you'll be wanting 300w (if a single heater) or any combination that adds up to more than 208w. If you do go with 2 then at least if one fails the other will buffer the temperature drop. Downside is its harder to hide 2 heaters and I always struggle to get them both set at the same temp.

Have you considered an in line heater like the hydor? (just thought I'd throw another option in )

 

[Mikaila31]

200-300 watt is fine and it doesn't matter where you place the heater as long as their is good circulation around it. Wattage depends a lot on the size of the tank, but its also just as important to take in account the temperature difference between the tank and room. This difference can vary quiet a bit. In winter the basement easily gets down into the low 60's at nights while the tank runs at 80*. Someone living where its warmer will likely have a smaller difference between room and tank, thus a 200 watt maybe plenty for them.

 

[cynic]

I have a 260L tank with a 300w heater. I have it sited right next to the filter inlet pipe so the water circulation around the heater is good.

The filter is kept hot for the bacteria and the inlet pressure shoots the water round the tank, almost as good as an inline but less chance of leaks.

One last thing, go for a terrapin heater, they come with a plastic guard that keeps plec's and the like from burning themselves.