Tank heaters

bhenneke · 11/06/2007, 03:44 PM

Howdy all,

Is there a reason to not buy a higher Wattage heater for your fish tank? I have a 26gallon tank and my current heater is not up to snuff and I am going to replace it very soon, but was unsure if I should get a 150w or even higher so I don't have to worry about the outside of the tank temperature this winter (it is still inside, and the house is heated, but it is in the back room and gets a little cold at night).

Thanks in advance,
Brian

an411 · 11/06/2007, 03:53 PM

Yeah wouldn't see why that wouldn't work I been using a heater for a 75 gallon tank in a 10 gallon QT tank.

Piscator · 11/06/2007, 04:17 PM

I don't think 150W is too much for a 26 gallon. In a larger system lots of folks like to divide their total needs between 2 heaters as a "backup", just in case one fails. But 2 in a 26 (unless you have a sump) might not look too good.

When you first put it in, you may want to hang it somewhat high in the tank for easier adjustment. Then when you have it where you want it, go ahead and move it lower (assuming it is submersible).

Best wishes,

IslandCrow · 11/06/2007, 04:49 PM

Just remember that a low wattage heater malfunctioning to the on position is better than a high wattage heater doing the same. Of course, you have to get one that's up to the job. A single 150w in my 46g worked just fine, but I live in Florida, so my house never got below about 65. So, certainly get what you need, but don't go crazy. 150w probably is not considered crazy, though.

11/06/2007, 03:44 PM	#1
bhenneke Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 12	Tank heaters Howdy all, Is there a reason to not buy a higher Wattage heater for your fish tank? I have a 26gallon tank and my current heater is not up to snuff and I am going to replace it very soon, but was unsure if I should get a 150w or even higher so I don't have to worry about the outside of the tank temperature this winter (it is still inside, and the house is heated, but it is in the back room and gets a little cold at night). Thanks in advance, Brian

11/06/2007, 04:17 PM	#3
Piscator Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Whitinsville MA Posts: 264	I don't think 150W is too much for a 26 gallon. In a larger system lots of folks like to divide their total needs between 2 heaters as a "backup", just in case one fails. But 2 in a 26 (unless you have a sump) might not look too good. When you first put it in, you may want to hang it somewhat high in the tank for easier adjustment. Then when you have it where you want it, go ahead and move it lower (assuming it is submersible). Best wishes, __________________ -Jason Prayer is Protein Skimming for the Soul Current Tank Info: 75 Gal. + 30 Gal sump, PC lights, LR, Skimmer, fuge; 30 gal. livebearer tank; 55 gal. SA Cichlid tank in progress...

11/06/2007, 04:49 PM	#4
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	Just remember that a low wattage heater malfunctioning to the on position is better than a high wattage heater doing the same. Of course, you have to get one that's up to the job. A single 150w in my 46g worked just fine, but I live in Florida, so my house never got below about 65. So, certainly get what you need, but don't go crazy. 150w probably is not considered crazy, though. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

11/06/2007, 03:53 PM	#2
an411 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Derby CT Posts: 2,861	Yeah wouldn't see why that wouldn't work I been using a heater for a 75 gallon tank in a 10 gallon QT tank.