FishProfiles.com Message Forums

	2 200W heaters for 55gal(US), is it neccasary
Shark Small Fry Posts: 10 Kudos: 45 Votes: 0 Registered: 18-Jun-2004	I recently set up my first tank after reading much on the net. My lfs talked me into getting 2 200w heaters rather than 1 300W which I was going to get. He said the temperature would remain a lot more even. Even though they are both set on 24 degrees C one of them never comes on. I checked It does work. People mention 2 filters often but I haven't been able to find anyone else reccomending I use 2 heaters. Have I been hoodwinked?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
krige Big Fish Posts: 405 Kudos: 1088 Votes: 377 Registered: 24-Jul-2003	No it is common to run two heaters in larger tanks to prevent temperature gradation across the tank and as redundancy if 1 fails,as for one coming on more than the other again that is pretty common as the thermostats are never exactly the same and it depends on the position of the heater in the water flow as to whether one heater colls quicker. In my tank 1 off my heaters very rarely comes on but the temp is the same across the tank as i have two filters one at each end of the tank creating good water flow. Gibson SG you know you want one!!
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
chip Hobbyist Posts: 51 Kudos: 36 Votes: 0 Registered: 20-May-2004	i used 2 heaters to in my 55 gallon but neither ever comes on because my tank and house are always warm but still i do think it gives an more even heat distribution.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
koi keeper Moderator Posts: 3203 Kudos: 2033 Votes: 240 Registered: 29-Dec-2001	You definately haven't been hoodwinked as it is common practice. What you should do is swap the heater's position every other month so that they get even wear. Koi Empty chairs at empty tables, the room silent, forlorn.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
krige Big Fish Posts: 405 Kudos: 1088 Votes: 377 Registered: 24-Jul-2003	Or you could just adjust the thermostats so the other comes on instead of the heater that normally does. [span class="edited"][Edited by krige 2004-07-17 03:47][/span] Gibson SG you know you want one!!
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	I run 2 300W heaters in my tank see My Profile for details always be on the safe side. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
Shark Small Fry Posts: 10 Kudos: 45 Votes: 0 Registered: 18-Jun-2004	Thanks for the help guys. Regards Craig
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
Shinigami Ichthyophile Catfish/Oddball Fan Posts: 9962 Kudos: 2915 Registered: 22-Feb-2001	I only use 250W on my 55 gallon, and have never had problems. You don't even need that combined 400W; IMO one of the heaters isn't really necessary. IMO you have a spare now in case one messes up. I'd take it out of the tank, but that's just me... -------------------------------------------- The aquarist is one who must learn the ways of the biologist, the chemist, and the veterinarian.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
never say die Hobbyist Posts: 85 Kudos: 58 Votes: 1 Registered: 18-Jul-2004	i agree with shini and i pnly run 1 200 watt heater on my 60 gallon and it heats it just fine.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
jake Fish Addict Posts: 594 Kudos: 875 Votes: 2 Registered: 21-Mar-2004	You weren't ripped off, but I believe that a single submersible heater placed near the outflow of the filter ( so that the water is flowing over or past the heater) can more effectively evenly heat a tank than two heaters placed on the ends of a tank. However, two heaters that are underpowered on their own is safer than one big heater. If one goes on the blink it shouldn't be able to cook the fish, and if it goes out totally the other should be able to keep up with the heating needs
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	Shark I forgot to mention that being placed at each end one is close to the outlet and the other is less than one ins from the inlet to my large Eheim Canister. I recently blew one of the old heaters during a cold snap was I glad I had the other one as a back up. My temp droped about 2Fdegrees in 24 hrs. For a few extra $$ it is well worth it. Sounds like a very good Aqu you have there. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39
greenfootball Fish Addict Posts: 613 Kudos: 360 Votes: 0 Registered: 23-Jul-2001	i wouldnt get that much wattage, it'll just kinda be wasted i think, maybe 2 150 is good.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:39


	Jump to:

The views expressed on this page are the implied opinions of their respective authors.
Under no circumstances do the comments on this page represent the opinions of the staff of FishProfiles.com.

FishProfiles.com Forums, version 11.0
Mazeguy Smilies