Is a 200w heater good enough for my 30 gallon?

[NoMoreGoldFish]

During the winter months, the temperature here gets as low as 60f at night. I plan to keep my water temperature at around 80f. So that's a whopping 20 degrees my heater has to heat up for 30 gallons of water. I bought a 200w heater the other day, haven't had a chance to test it yet because right now my room temperature is about 86f when the AC isn't on.

Should I go buy another heater just in case? Thanks.

 

[carey]

I think you will be ok with the heater you have. Once the tank reaches the set temperature it's only going to have to heat up for a short period of time to maintain that temperature.

You might want to have an extra one either on hand or in the tank though in case the heater goes out on you.

What kind of heater do you have already?

 

[BillD]

The only danger is that if the heater fails in the on position, during a warm time of the year, you may cook your fish. However, 200 Watts would seem appropriate for a 20 degree temp difference in a 30 gallon tank, although you could consider 2 x 100s.