Won't need a heater with 260W PC lights?

[saltwater8]

I was told today that with 260W PC lights, I more than likely would not need a heater?

P.S. My tank is 60 gallons.
:happyfish

 

[ktsdad]

Generally the lights will add enough heat to the tank, in fact usually they add too much.
Your heater will come in handy at night when the lights are off.
I assume you don't keep your house at 78 -80 degrees in the winter.
If you keep your thermostat at 68, your tank could drop a few degrees during the night then heat back up during the day.
Small shifts in temp are normal (sunrise to sunset), but you really want to keep your temp as stable as possible.
I, on the other hand, have 3 large pumps on my 250 that keep the water at 79 degrees for me! No heater necessary for me!
For a smaller tank, I would recommend keeping the heater to keep your temp stable as possible.
Good Luck!

 

[waterbourn]

I have a 55 gallon with 260 watt orbit pc. I definately need a heater! Of course I keep my thermostat down to around 65 degrees at night and the heater is working full blast. The heater is also working fully in the winter when the thermostat is set to 72. My pc lights are about 6 inches above the water and there is no cover on my tank. They add very little heat to my tank and no heat at night. Please make sure you get a heater.

 

[fedukeford]

i also have a 55 gallon with 260 watts of PC, it gets REALLY cold at night if i dont use my heater

 

[saltwater8]

Ok, yeah, thanks a lot everyone, I thought that sounded strange.....
:happyfish