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Heidi needs to know how to work the heaters in her new 125q tank. Does it take two or more heaters? What size? The largest heater she has found so far is 200 watts.

IMO it's better two have two smaller heaters than one big one. Then if one malfunctions the other one can compensate. And if the malfunction involves getting jammed in the "on" position, it takes longer to overheat the tank and you're more likely to notice before it's fatal to the fish.

As for the total wattage, that depends on the difference between the water temperature and the ambient temperature in the room. What temp does she want to keep the tank at? What is the lowest temperature the room gets to, on the coldest night of the year? Is the tank going to be against an outside wall, or near an air vent, or anywhere else that might cause it to be particularly cool?

Heidi keeps her apartment cold enough for polar bears. I believe she wants to keep the temperature between 78 - 80 degrees. Thanks for the advice. She like a kid at Christmas.

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sinny is spot on. You want approx 5 watts of heating power per gallon, and two is much better than one, as for the reasons above, and also that it keeps the entire tank more even in heating, as there are much less cold spots and warm spots with two equally spaced heaters. Also, be sure to keep the heaters at a 45 degree or so angle to help heat more efficiently

Pug,

It is generally recommended that you have 3 to 5 watts of heat per gallon of water. Since Heidi likes it "cool", I would opt for closer to 5 watts per gallon with a minimum of 600 watts or two 300 W heaters.

I habve a 125 with 500W of heat. Evening room temperatures are 60F except for the room where the tank is located. That room is closed at night and the 86F water maintains a nice toasty temp in the room.

__________
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