Is It Possible To Use A Heater In A Smaller Tank Than It Is Made For?

[doktor doris]

For instance, if I had a heater designed for a 300l tank could I use it in a 100l tank?

Iam guessing the heater would just turn on, then off really quickly.

Or am I missing somethign?

ta
doris

 

[Ludwig Venter]

There is a recent thread to this effect and in my opinion, yes.... you can do it.... I've currently got a 300W heater in a 2ft tank (way overrated), and it keeps my water at a constant 26/7 degrees C..... just watch it and adjust it for the first coupla hours.....

 

[JohnRossDele]

can it work vice versa (a heater in a tank bigger than it should be) coz i just got a new tank yesterday

 

[Ludwig Venter]

can it work vice versa (a heater in a tank bigger than it should be) coz i just got a new tank yesterday

Depending of what extreme you're talking about..... I also have used (in the past) a 100W to heat a 3ft tank (way underrated), but it was set at max, and stayed on for most of the time.... the fish also gathered around it, and not recommended, as they are not comfortable.... So, no.... do not do it...

 

[keeton]

if you use a 300w heater in a really small tank the water temp will change to quickly and will stress the fish, if you use a 75w on a 3/4ft tank it will work but not well and will be on alot and take a long time to keep get the temp up

 

[JohnRossDele]

what if it were a 60 litre max heater and it were a 110litre tank?

 

[doktor doris]

Wow!

Thanks for all the responses.

What I wanted to know specifically can a 300w heater be used, temporarilly, in a 12 galllon(60l) tank.
The reason I ask is that I have a 12g QT tank and I have recently bought 2 300w heaters from a board member.
I like to have backups when the tank is as important as my QT, so could I use the 300w in an emergency?

As far as I can see is the water is under constant movement so the warmed water wouldn't remain next to the heater, and when the constantly circulated water is generally at the corect temp(which should be very quick as the heater is so many watts) the heater will shut off.

ta

doris

 

[Dorkhedeos]

It should be fine as long as it is a quality heater.

 

[Tolak]

It should be fine as long as it is a quality heater.

This, as well as good water circulation are key.