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Would it be safe to put a 50w heater *on the lowest setting* in a 2.5 gallon aquarium? Or would it be too much of a risk?


~Morgan~

I think that is going way overboard! The ideal wattage is probally 5wpg in heaters. 50w would be too high. I guess if it is on the lowest setting, it will come on in short bursts, but that might ruin the heating coils?

Personally, i think that is a risk and should be replaced with a junior heater. Tose are meant for 5 gallons, and will do you much better if you switch to them. Besides, it would be much easier for temperature control if you had an appropriate size.

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thanks, I just wanted to see if I could use it and not have to buy a new one. I had no intention of boiling my fish . I might look into one of those 'junior' heaters. anyway, thanks again!


~Morgan~

If you do get one of those junior heaters, set it up w/o fish first or in a bucket w/o fish that's equal to the amount of water in your tank and let it sit plugged in for a few days to monitor the temperature. These things are notorious for being pieces of trash and either not heating the water at all, or boiling fish.

Instead, look for either RenaCal or Thermal Compact 25 watters. Much more reliable!

I also urge you to set up and calibrate the heater without fish, as such a small amount of water can be heated very quickly, and such rapid temp changes are a no no for fish

Depending on what type of fish you want to keep and the tank's location you might be able to get by without a heater. I have a 2.5g, 3g, and 5g all running without one, no problems.

I tried the junior heater once and wouldn't recommend it, too unreliable.

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the tank doesn't really need a heater, it says a good temp for my fish anyway; I just wanted to see if I could use my old 10g heater before I go ou and buy a new one. Thanks!


~Morgan~

The heater should turn on and shut off at a certain temp so it shouldn't boil the fish. It might even work. However when it comes on it's going to shoot the temp of the tank up within seconds. If you have anything but the best quality and most accurate heater it could end up raising the temp a degree or 2 over what it's set on before it manages to shut off. That will cause temp fluctuations of several degrees all day long and eventually lead to stress and illness. A 25w would probably be safe though and are pretty easy to find. Usually I stick 25w visitherm stealth heaters on 5g or smaller tanks.