Can a higher wattage heater be harmful?

[chat_patta]

I have 5o g acrylic tank of freshwater with some plants and tropical fishes, as per standards: a 200 Watt heater should suffice and probably best would be to have 2x100 Watt heaters at each corner.

But my question to my esteemed seniors is:
"Using a 500 Watt Digital heater can be harmful?"

I will place the heater near the intake of my canister filter.

Highly appreciate any advice on this.

Regards;

 

[ImACoolguy]

Unlike filters, It's not recommended to use heaters rates above your tank size. In my experience, a heater that is make for a larger tank will often heat the water too warm.

I would get 2 heaters that equal the wattage you want to achieve. Say you need 200 watts, get 2x100w heaters.

Heaters go on a rule of 5 watts per gallon.


Caleb

 

[ghyti]

When (not if) the heater sticks in the on state, it will cook your fish much quicker than a properly sized heater.

 

[Brookster123]

Unlike filters, It's not recommended to use heaters rates above your tank size. In my experience, a heater that is make for a larger tank will often heat the water too warm.

I would get 2 heaters that equal the wattage you want to achieve. Say you need 200 watts, get 2x100w heaters.

Heaters go on a rule of 5 watts per gallon.


Caleb

Not to mention a heater that size could turn that tank into soup over night...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[54seaweed]

I use a 400w ehiem heater in my 90g I keep it parallel to the bottom of the tank ,
It's covered with a egg crate cage ti keep the fish away , I also have 2 sensor probs on either end of the tank , that will cut power to heater if it fails to shut off with the thermostat , the power strip with the sensors was if I remember right was about 60 bucks,
from foster and smith . I had several heaters fail and it paid for itself two times over,

 

[chat_patta]

Thanks to ImACoolguy, 54seaweed, ghyti and Brookster123 for the advice.

 

[chat_patta]

Moderator kindly lock this thread.