Right Heating for Tank

[nickyboi]

Hey all,

Does anybody know if a 200W heater would be enough to keep a 260L tank at the right temp?

[Wok]

That should be ok but I personally would use a 300w heater.

I believe the difference in cost is quite small

[nickyboi]

thanks matey, i already have the 200W so was wondering if i would get away with it or if i needed another one....

hopefully it will do.

[Caper]

Also, Wok, if I remember correctly from posts here... a larger heater wouldn't have to come on as often as a smaller heater???

[monaro1]

i would invest in a 300W and keep the 200W as a spare.It's always good to have one.

[HummingBird]

To answer your question though, yes, it'll do fine.

[suphew]

I would invest in a second, they don't really cost very much and there are benefits to running two, redundancy if one fails, better spread of heat (less chance of cold spots).

As an aside heaters ALWAYS fail sooner or later and you should always have a spare on hand (ideally already in the tank and running).

[BK]

From the books I've read its better to have one at each end also a smaller heater will be on more than a larger one so less switching on and off which is usually what fails. The other benefit is that if one doesn't switch off it is only 1/2 the required strenght to heat hole tank so you migth not cook the fish as the other shouldn't come on. The reverse of this is if one fails the other will keep the tank heated. I use this set up for my Discus every thing else has 1.

I use 1 watt per ltr.

[nickyboi]

Thanks guys! good info, off to the pet shop later

[herefishiefishie]

200W will be fine to also answer your question.

The purists recommend 2 heaters that add upto roughly 1 watt per litre, for equal heat dispersion and in case one breaks down. I use just one heater per tank as 2 heaters per tank add up. :-?

Also note that quality brands like Jager have different reccomendations again,

eg;75W will do 100litres, I think from memory 150W can do upto 300 litres....check the brand.

Try not to make the mistake of adding a heater alot stronger than the reccomendations. If a heater sticks on,(which happens with some cheaper brands) then you may want some chips with that boiled fish.

Make sure you have a therm...(cant spell) in the tank, the temp on the heater can be off.

Frenchy