Question about heater for 55-gal tank

[NascarPaul]

I have a Whisper 200-watt submersible heater. The heater only gets the tank to 72 degrees. Is the heater too small, defective, or do I just need to add a second heater?

TIA
Paul

 

[QTOFFER]

I have a 300 W in my 58 gal and it can get the temp up to 88F (for ich treatment) no prob. I'd get another 200W - that way, if one dies, at least your tank will never drop below 72.

 

[trenac]

What tank size is your heater rated for because different brands of heaters have different ratings. If your brand is rated for your tank size then it is more than likely defective if not then I would by a higher wattage heater.

 

[mortiss]

Like QTOFFER said, I have 2 200's in my 55 gallon and they do great. I ran into some heater probs in the past and the backup really helps.

 

[mortiss]

Like QTOFFER said, I have 2 200's in my 55 gallon and they do great. I ran into some heater probs in the past and the backup really helps.

 

[William]

I run a single 200 in my 29gal, so I would do as everyone else suggested and run atleast 2 200s.