Heater Ratings

[JJ1234567]

Quick question. I think I already know the answer but ill ask anyways. I know taht when you want to heat a tank you must use a certian wattage heater to get the job done, IE 50 watts for a ten gallon tank. But is there any reason you couldnt use a bigger heater to heat a small tank, wouldnt it heat it just fine, other than being a little over kill?

 

[Mr Miagi]

IME, larger heaters dont cope well with the smaller valumes of water under their recomended limit. They tend to turn on and off very suddenly, and this re-occurs all day. This has shortened the life of some of my previous brands. Ive found keeping to the right wattage helps extend the life span of my heaters. And why spend the extra dosh which could be spent on essential livestock?

 

[JJ1234567]

the only reason i ask is I already have a 300 watt and a 250 watt heater, and the total volume of the tank im setting up for the next year or two will only be about 30 gallons.

 

[crazyelece]

they can also heat too much before the thermostat turns them off and can make temps swings higher. It is much better to have multiple smaller heaters than one large. I'd get a new heater if it was me. Also just think how fast your tank would boil if that 300W got stuck on. ZAPP!