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View Full Version : How Big Of a Heater?

rowenna7
04-06-2008, 10:29 PM
I am currently in the process of setting up my 55gal tank. In the past when I had it set up, it was unheated. Now I'm planning to do a tropical community tank, so I need to find out how big of a heater I need for it. I just took a peek at aquabid, most listings just say how many watts the heater is, not how many gallons it will heat. Any ideas for me? Thanks!
goleafs
04-06-2008, 10:35 PM
I've got a 250 watt jager heater on my 75 and it does the job, it can probably bring the water up to 95F ( I had it at 90 ish when I was treating ich). So you would probably want a 200 watt but anything higher will just be on less.
doug z
04-06-2008, 10:40 PM
A 250W will be more than enough..

Or if you're worried about one failing, you could get 2 200W..

Just get a reliable one, like a Jager or a Visitherm Stealth..
cocoa_pleco
04-06-2008, 10:46 PM
a 250w is good, but if you get a 300w the heater wont have to work as hard
doug z
04-06-2008, 10:57 PM
A 300W for a 55g?! :)

And I was worried about a 250W for my 75g.. LOL
xoolooxunny
04-07-2008, 03:26 AM
I've got a 300w for my 75g, and yes, i too would suggest a bigger heater so it doesnt have to work as hard/stay on as long.
doug z
04-07-2008, 03:31 AM
Huh..

Maybe I should get another 200W..
xoolooxunny
04-07-2008, 03:35 AM
DONT FORGET TO TURN OFF HEATERS BEFORE A WATER CHANGE!! I forgot to once, was lucky it didnt crack, but i did burn the back of my hand pretty good!
doug z
04-07-2008, 03:36 AM
Good tip!

Could you put it in the "Tips" Thread, please?

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

(Don't want to pass it off as my own.. LOL)
rowenna7
04-07-2008, 04:55 PM
Thanks everyone for all the help, the suggestions were very useful! I just put in an order this morning for a 250 watt Stealth heater (thanks for the brand suggestion Doug!) and also a Penguin Bio-Wheel 350 filter. I'm getting so anxious to get things up and running *LOL*
doug z
04-07-2008, 04:57 PM
Sounds good!

Let us know how you make out!
RainMan
04-07-2008, 05:15 PM
DONT FORGET TO TURN OFF HEATERS BEFORE A WATER CHANGE!! I forgot to once, was lucky it didnt crack, but i did burn the back of my hand pretty good!

Been there done that... LOL And I've had one crack on me while I was refilling a tank. yikes!

Which is why I might be going for a titanium heater in the future. I just started a thread, if you are interested.
Titanium Heater - Opinions please ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.])