Water heater watt and corner internal filter

[ganesan]

I just got a 4x2x2 feet aquarium and was wondering whether just one heater of say 150w would be enough or two heaters will be better. It's going to be bare bottom. Secondly I plan to keep 6 discus all about 3.5 inches and is a corner triangular internal filter necessary in addition to 2 sponge filters and one canister filter.

[bluelagoon]

I would go with one 300w.

[jwcarlson]

A lot depends on the ambient temp. In my 75 gallon I have two 300 watt heaters because in the winter we only keep the house at about 60-62. And I'm asking it to raise the tank about 25 degrees. In the summer when the A/C goes up to 76 or so when the hottest weather hits, the heat controller keeps everything in check. If it's 82 where the tank is year-round you probably don't need much heat at all.

[ganesan]

Thank you sir

[ganesan]

Alright you may be right keeping 2 heaters capacity of 200watt each is the rightway

[jwcarlson]

Alright you may be right keeping 2 heaters capacity of 200watt each is the rightway

That way, when one of them inevitably "sticks on" you're less likely to cook your fish. Would also suggest a temperature controller as an additional layer of protection.

[mleibowi]

I have the same size tank as you ~120 gallon. I keep my heaters in the sump. I had 3 150w, now have 2 150W and one 300W. I have multiple in case one fails then I have backup. Probably overkill.

[mleibowi]

I also have sand on my bottom, about 1.5", love it. I know a lot of people do bare bottom, but I love the sand look. Less it more generally in regards to plants/ornaments but if you are willing to do the work and maintain, it can be very nice!