Winter Heating

[hursab]

It is starting to get cold and I am worrying about my fish.

I have recently upgraded my heater to the 24-40 gal theo.

It has been pretty cold here, this morning it was 45 degrees in side the house.
lol wut?

My tank was 69 even, It was about 75 before I went to bed.
I have had my heater cranked up to its max heat, like 90 degrees.

I have read something about the difference in room temperature and water temperature plays apart of how the heater works.

I am lost on how to keep my fish warm, this nightly temperature drop cannot be comfortable for my fish.

My only idea is to try the stealth heater

What size? Volts? Gallons?
What is the limiting factor on the min gal requirement?

Thanks everyone

[robflanker]

im thinking your heater either sucks or doesnt work - what size tank?

You can always do 2 heaters

[Lady Hobbs]

I use a 250 watt for my 55 gallons altho a 200 watt has also been used. For a 29 gallon I would use a 100-150 watt. You don't mention tank size. 69 is too cool unless you have goldfish.

[hursab]

Tank size is 26 gal.

I am starting to think my heater just sucks too.
Although it is brand new.

its a 150 w.

I know 69 is too cold it was almost 70 when I left this morning.

[Northernguy]

I would change the heater or add another!
You could wrap a blanket around the tank at night to help keep the heat in too.
I'm glad my tanks don't drop much at night!

[Lab_Rat]

Why is your house so cold? I can't imagine expecting any heater to combat 45 degree ambient temperature. Those temperature swings are going to make your fish stressed and sick.

[hursab]

Ha I forgot to mention that the heather in the house is also broken.

I like the blanket idea.

I might have to add another heater, but that goes back to me previous question about why the limitation are placed on the heaters like the gal min and voltage.

[Lab_Rat]

Ha I forgot to mention that the heather in the house is also broken.

I like the blanket idea.

I might have to add another heater, but that goes back to me previous question about why the limitation are placed on the heaters like the gal min and voltage.

Because you don't want to fry your fish. I've always had heaters rated for the size of my tanks and never had a problem with them keeping the tanks at the right temp.

[robflanker]

I'd fix/replace both the house heater and the tank heater

i dont know of any heater limitations - there are recommendations so that your heater isnt overworking, but adding a second doesnt matter

[hursab]

Hopefully I can get the house heater fixed too.

I have my heater close to a ludwigia, can it get fried because it is so close to the heater? It does seem to be a problem but I just want to make sure its ok.

[rich311k]

Plants will be fine by your heater.

[hursab]

Plants will be fine by your heater.

Sweet thanks!

[LadyHatred]

I have this problem as well. Without me running the furnace and/or both wood-stoves, it's about 5-8C in here. We haven't had snow yet either!

Here is what I do:

One submersible heater, rated for the next tank size up. Place it horizontal near the bottom in the back. Set it two degrees warmer than you want the tank at. For whatever reason, putting it in this way, for me, keeps the temperature more even throughout the tank.

Cardboard that fits the sides and back of the tank. If you are using HOB's or anything that hangs off the back of the tank like, airline splitter rigs, hang-on heaters ect, leave a cut-out for whatever object. Now line the cardboard with fleece. Check to see that it fits flush. If not, trim it down. Now make a separate "box" to cover your HOB's (again, if you use them) This should fit right over it and stay put on it's own.

Put it on the tank. I use suction cups that have small hooks to keep the "cover" flush against the glass. This way, there is no tape residue left come spring.

No matter how cold it gets in my house, the tanks keep a steady temp. The only time it fluctuates is when I do water changes. I remedy this by adding slightly warmer water when refilling.

If you don't like the "Hillbilly Hotel" look of the cardboard, paint it or cover it with more fleece or anything to enhance it's look. Mine is completely black and looks good.

You can also use styrofoam but I found that it gets nicks in it and you have little bits of it everywhere. Even in the tank!

[gm72]

I keep seeing voltage being mentioned. Voltage is irrelevant, we need to think about watts.

Personally I shoot for 5 watts per gallon of heating power. I often get a heater slightly larger than that which is needed so as to lighten the load and extend the longevity of the unit.

[Sarkazmo]

DO NOT set your heater for 90! Set it for the temp you want it to be. Heaters are thermostatically controlled, If it's below the set temp then the heater will turn on and stay on until it reaches that temp. There may be a slight difference in the actual temp of the water and the setting but that's not unusual and is usually only about + or - 1 to 2 degrees F.

You can run multiple heaters, and you can run over-rated heaters.

To insulate the aquarium you can get a sheet of foam core house sheeting and cut it to the size of the sides, front, and back. The back and sides can be left on all the time and the front can be removed when you want to view your fish. I would also recommend putting a sheet under the tank but you'll have to drain the tank to do this. The piece underneath will not only help insulate the tank but will cushion the bottom of the tank from any irregularities in the surface that the tank is sitting on. This sheeting can be purchased at any DIY center for about $8 a sheet which is 8'x4'x1/2"

Another tip is to place your heater VERY near the intake of your filter and/or the outflow so that as much water as possible flows over the heater making more efficient use of the heat it's generating. If worse comes to worse a high wattage incandescent lamp or Halogen lamp can be shined into the tank to help raise the temp.

Good luck with your fishes heating needs and your own!

Sark

[hursab]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions

I do have my heater right next to my intake. It worked well last night, I had it a 77 before bed and it only dropped to 75 over nice. This is much better than before.

The heater is set at 80-81 to keep it about 77-78.

I think the 5 watts per gallon is the way to go. I upgraded so it is now 5.7 watts per gallon. Thanks for the great tip.