Under Spec Heater

[leecasey]

Hi I have heater in my Rio 400 (400 litre), and its under spec'd. I believe its a 200watt or something. Granted it took over a day to get to temperature, which isn't really an issue as I'm cycling my tank. Are there any disadvantages of having an under spec'd heater? It keeps the tank at the desired temp but obviously stays on longer. Are there any energy consumption issues? I'm guessing it must be about the same as far as cost is concerned?

The only negative I could think of is if I ever had a powercut for quite a while when there are fish in there and it would take a long while to get it back up to temp?

Thanks
Lee

 

[Noahs ark6]

As long as you are very aware of if its working or not, u could get away with it. But i recommend getting two 200 watt. its usually 1 watt a litre.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

by the time you fork out for a 300w decent heater you would still be saving in cost of lecci IMO. lots of ways to keep heat in event of power cut like lag the tank, hot water bottle etc

 

[leecasey]

by the time you fork out for a 300w decent heater you would still be saving in cost of lecci IMO. lots of ways to keep heat in event of power cut like lag the tank, hot water bottle etc

So, Al, you think if I buy a 300w heater it will save me on elec? I have no problem getting a new heater just didn't see the point if its keeping my tank at temperature, but if its going to save me electricity in the long run then I will get a new heater.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

by the time you fork out for a 300w decent heater you would still be saving in cost of lecci IMO. lots of ways to keep heat in event of power cut like lag the tank, hot water bottle etc

So, Al, you think if I buy a 300w heater it will save me on elec? I have no problem getting a new heater just didn't see the point if its keeping my tank at temperature, but if its going to save me electricity in the long run then I will get a new heater.

sorry mate my mistake i mean keeping your heater the same save money, £30 odd quid for new heater is alot of lecci, once at temp the 200 would be fine, but a very vaild comment about using x 200w woulod my vote