Heater rating question

[senorkevin]

Does it matter if a heater is over rated for a tank if it turns off at a set temp?
For example, a 200w heater in a 16 gallon tank.

 

[trickshot3102]

WHOA, 200 W for a 16 gal? That's WAY to high. The general rule is 5 watts per gallon.

 

[trickshot3102]

WHOA, 200 W for a 16 gal? That's WAY to high. The general rule is 5 watts per gallon.

I just did the math, I would suggest a 80 to 100 watt heater

 

[senorkevin]

I know it is high I was just asking if it mattered if it was a heater that can be set to a desired temp?

 

[pelphrey]

Someone could correct me. You can use any heater you want. But the end result if that heater malfunctions will be boiling water and dead live stock.

 

[wildroseofky]

Yes you can use it if it can be set to a specific temp. I am currently using a 150 watt heater in my 10 gallon until I can buy a smaller one. You might want to plug it into a surge protector or GFI socket in case of malfunction. It will give you a little protection. However, there is always a chance of a malfunction. Just check the temp daily to make sure it is doing okay.

 

[senorkevin]

Ok thanks

 

[BillD]

It is a risky move, as if it fails it is likely going to cook your fish. I have a 15 gal that is heated with a 50W and it has no trouble keeping the temp.

 

[senorkevin]

Currently I am using a 150w but I don't think it is working. The led is on but the water is cold

 

[wildroseofky]

Make sure there is a lot of water movement around the heater. I had a 50 watt heater that just did not seem to be heating my 10 gallon. I moved it to another tank, after reading the directions, and it said there needed to be a lot of water movement around the heater. I put it in another tank with the outflow close to it. Now it is heating. Also make sure the top part with the control dial is out of the water. I have another heater that has to have that part out of the water or it does not work as well.

 

[senorkevin]

Could it be because it is too long and almost touching the gravel?

 

[Mifsud]

Is it warm to the touch when the LED is lit?

 

[senorkevin]

No I'm affraid not

 

[wildroseofky]

If you touch the heater when the red light is on and it is not at least warm then you have a bad heater. There could be a break in the heating elements not letting power travel along the coil. It is not fixable and you need another heater. Sometimes they just go bad.

 

[senorkevin]

What make would you recommend? The best I have seen here is elite

 

[Coyne]

I'm a big fan of the Colbalt Neo-Therm, but they tend to be on the expensive side.

 

[senorkevin]

Are they almost all the same? I found an elite tronic.

 

[senorkevin]

Does it matter is the heater is long or short?

 

[ezy33]

A heater is not a part to go cheep on. I would recommend a name brand and a heater controller. I'm using Fluval and Aqueon at this time. The problem with running too large of a heater is the temperature will over run continuing to heat after the thermostat has shut off. I found this controller online. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=23735

 

[Grumble69]

The only thing that matters is that you're able to set it at the temperature that you want and it's decent at holding a consistent reading. I've got a 300w heater in my 29g. Waaaaaay more than I need, but it was one I was holding in reserve from something else. I've got it set at 71.5 degrees on the dial and that's holding my tank at 78.

I used to have 2 smaller heaters in this tank. One of the heaters died. LED was on, but was generating no heat. And the lone remaining heater was insufficient to keep the tank warm--dropped me down to 70 degrees (room temperature).

The lesson in all this is that a blown heater can ruin your day, whether you operate one overpowered heater or two that are just right.