Heaters

[robbrouse]

Hello. I'm in the process of setting up my 55 gallon tank and as I'm going through all my supplies I see I need a few things. I've decided on the Emperor 400 Filter, Reno 300 Aitpump.

Now I need a heater as well. I'm thinking I need between 200 and 250 watts to heat my tank. On a 55 gallon tank should I just add one 250 watt heater or would it be better to get 2, 125 or 150 watt heaters? Also is one brand better than others?

Robb

 

[Small Fry]

3-5 watts per gallon is a good rule depending on the type of fish, where you live.. etc..

I use the Ebo Jaguar series heaters and they are rock solid. I've had a 250W for 3 years, dropped it, banged it and it hasn't cracked yet (unlike others) It has a high water mark on it but I have submerged it (accidently) and have heard of people using it as a submersible with no problems.

I have 100% redundancy with 2 x 250w so if one fails I'll still have a back-up to maintain water temp.

 

[yhbae]

Best is two weaker heaters than one strong one. Redundancy is nice if one of them fails by loosing power, but if it fails because the switch sticks, then it will boil the water faster...

 

[yhbae]

Also, what is your ambient temperature of the room where the aquarium is placed? Your capacity of the heater is largely dependant on this as well.

 

[Small Fry]

I never thought about sticking switches..... Hmmm.. I'll have to rethink my setup a bit - maybe plug the heaters into a temperature controlled powerbar (or something..)

 

[robbrouse]

Hello and thanks for the answers. In the summer time it warm. Stays at about 76-78 allday and most the night as well. I have a 10 gallon set up now. I know it's a 5th the water. In the winter time it get's colder. Not really sure how much cold, but a long sleve shirt or light jackek is need for us. What would you do?

Robb

 

[yhbae]

I never thought about sticking switches..... Hmmm.. I'll have to rethink my setup a bit - maybe plug the heaters into a temperature controlled powerbar (or something..)

I guess there's no such a thing as fail-safe heaters but Ebo Jagers get as close to it as it could get compare to other manufacturers... You have the setup already, so personally, I'd keep it that way...

Out of curiosity, what is "temperature controlled powerbar"?

 

[Leslie]

I would go with 2 x 150 if I were you.