New heater for a 46 UK gallon tank....

[keane]

Hi guys and gals,

am in the process of collecting equipment to set up my new mbuna cichlid tank.

the heaters I have seen (Visitherm and Project) heat tanks up to 40 gallons!

Would i be safe/is it wise to put two heaters in the tank.

My assumption is that, even if there are two heaters running, they will only heat to the set temperature and then switch themselves off anyway so there is no chance of overheating and frying the fish!!

in addition, if one packed in then I would still have one keepingthe temp up.

am i right/being sensible?

advices please....

EDIT: am also thinking of an Eheim 2235 external filter....good/bad?? should i get an internal aswell??

thanks in advance

steve B)

 

[modernhamlet]

Regarding heaters:
Having two smaller heaters can work well, for three reasons. First, if one stops working, you have the other to keep things stable until you notice the problem. Second, if one fails in the "on" position, then it's lower wattage will be much less likely to cook the fish before you notice a problem. Finally, you get better heat distribution with 2 heaters by placing them on opposite sides of the tank. For your tank, I would suggest 2 100w or 150w submersibles, depending on your normal room temperature. The only drawback is that you'll need to carefully calibrate them so that one isn't doing all the "work".

Regarding filtration:
The Eheim is a great external filter and would normally be perfectly adequate for your tank. However, since you're keeping mbuna and will likely overstock somewhat, you should consider a second filter, either HOB or internal. I'd suggest the AquaClear 300 or an equivalent. This will also give you additional water flow, something the mbuna will appreciate.

Hope that helps...

 

[Fishy411]

Regarding heaters:
Having two smaller heaters can work well, for three reasons. First, if one stops working, you have the other to keep things stable until you notice the problem. Second, if one fails in the "on" position, then it's lower wattage will be much less likely to cook the fish before you notice a problem. Finally, you get better heat distribution with 2 heaters by placing them on opposite sides of the tank. For your tank, I would suggest 2 100w or 150w submersibles, depending on your normal room temperature. The only drawback is that you'll need to carefully calibrate them so that one isn't doing all the "work".

Regarding filtration:
The Eheim is a great external filter and would normally be perfectly adequate for your tank. However, since you're keeping mbuna and will likely overstock somewhat, you should consider a second filter, either HOB or internal. I'd suggest the AquaClear 300 or an equivalent. This will also give you additional water flow, something the mbuna will appreciate.

Hope that helps...

I think perfect filtration for yur tank would be an eheim canister and Bio-wheel 330

 

[keane]

thanks folks.

thought was ok with two heaters but always best to check first.

steve B)