Aquarium Heater
- Thread starter bimm3rb0y
- Start date
rigdon87
Member
Originally Posted by bimm3rb0y
http:///forum/post/3153160
I have a 55 Gallon and would like to know what kind of heating system is suitable for my saltwater. I currently have 1 Hydor 200 watt but don't see a change in temperature. Should I get another heater or is there a better one out there with a temperature control?
its always a good idea to run two heaters so if one burns out youll have a backup,but i run a single 300w elite in mine and its about a 160g system
http:///forum/post/3153160
I have a 55 Gallon and would like to know what kind of heating system is suitable for my saltwater. I currently have 1 Hydor 200 watt but don't see a change in temperature. Should I get another heater or is there a better one out there with a temperature control?
its always a good idea to run two heaters so if one burns out youll have a backup,but i run a single 300w elite in mine and its about a 160g system
scsinet
Active Member
I always like to go with 5 watts per gallon as a "rule of thumb." It varies depending on your geographic location and your system. Systems with sumps generally need more heat than systems with HOB filtration, systems with skimmers can require more due to the air contact with the water, etc.
I've never deviated from 5 watts-per-gallon no matter what type of system I have and it's always served me well.
I also subscribe to the 2 heater methodology aptly described by rigdon. So in your case, since you have a 55g system and one 300w, rather than replace it, I'd add another 300w and just have a little more than you need. You're not ridiculously over, so it'll just mean they don't have to run as long.
I've never deviated from 5 watts-per-gallon no matter what type of system I have and it's always served me well.
I also subscribe to the 2 heater methodology aptly described by rigdon. So in your case, since you have a 55g system and one 300w, rather than replace it, I'd add another 300w and just have a little more than you need. You're not ridiculously over, so it'll just mean they don't have to run as long.
scsinet
Active Member
Originally Posted by choprjohn
http:///forum/post/3153307
I have a 75 gal. tank with a 30L fuge so do i count that as a 105 gal. system & can i put the heater in the fuge instead of the main tank? Thanx...Johnnie
Absolutely, you want to count the total system volume. If you build in a bit of overhead for the additional cooling effect that the plumbing has on the system, you might want to think 6 watts per gallon, so 600w is right on target for where you'd want to be. You said 30L fuge, so if that's liters, that's about 8 gallons, so it's more like an 83ish gallon setup, but 600w is still fine for that.
The heaters can certainly be placed in the fuge or sump, that is in fact a great part of having this type of setup as it helps hide ugly equipment from view. Provided your flow rate through the fuge is sufficient to spread the heat through the entire setup, you should be fine.
http:///forum/post/3153307
I have a 75 gal. tank with a 30L fuge so do i count that as a 105 gal. system & can i put the heater in the fuge instead of the main tank? Thanx...Johnnie
Absolutely, you want to count the total system volume. If you build in a bit of overhead for the additional cooling effect that the plumbing has on the system, you might want to think 6 watts per gallon, so 600w is right on target for where you'd want to be. You said 30L fuge, so if that's liters, that's about 8 gallons, so it's more like an 83ish gallon setup, but 600w is still fine for that.
The heaters can certainly be placed in the fuge or sump, that is in fact a great part of having this type of setup as it helps hide ugly equipment from view. Provided your flow rate through the fuge is sufficient to spread the heat through the entire setup, you should be fine.