What size heater will get it done?

[Civicman86]

Im looking into a Stainless steel heater for a tank that will have ~115gallons of water volume. What wattage will best handle this task? Im thinking the 300w one will work (largest they have) but do you think I need more than one?

 

[hc8719]

i have just a regular 200w heater on my 55 gallon, so i think you might need a bigger one. im not familiar with steel heaters if they work better than normal.

just like how a 15 watt incondescent is weaker than a 15 watt flourescent, may be the same for heaters. that or i just threw everyone off

 

[Steven Pro]

Generally, 3-5 watts per gallon should suffice. Aim for the higher portion of that range if you have the aquarium somewhere cool such a a basement. Or, you could do the lower end if the general area always runs warm or if you are going to light the aquarium with lamps that throw a good deal of heat.

 

[Charlie]

My aquarists recommend 2 smaller heaters rather than 1 large heater. This way if one heater goes belly up the other one can provide most of the heat needed. How about 2-200watt SS heaters for your tank?

 

[mr funktastic]

thast what i would reccomend. 2 200 watts will keep a very stable ttemperature aswell as keep the heat spread over the whole aquarium evenly. if placed at opposite ends.

 

[melosu58]

Moving to hardware and equipement discussion forum

 

[Civicman86]

Thanks for the move. I will go with the 2 smaller heaters. Sounds like it will be the safer move.

Thanks!

 

[tropicalfish]

115 x 5 is 575. The general rule of thumb is 5 watts per gallon, but that will vary depending on your average room temperature.

I would go for 2 250W heaters. Place them on either side of the tank.