Heater question

[neon]

I see a lot people using two heaters in there tanks. I have 55gal with 300watt heater that does good job keeping the water at 84. So if choose to go with two heaters one each side what would the watts have to be for a 55gal? :)

[ShinShin]

2 150's would do it.

Mat

[chrisb01]

I have a 300W heater in my 55. I have mine placed at the back wall of the tank in the middle. Then I have two different thermometers (different brands), one at either end of the tank, I look at them a few times a day to make sure they are both on the same page. That's the tank where my Discus are. All my other tanks are going by room temp.

Mat, or anyone else, please correct me if I'm wrong: I think the psychology behind using two heaters, is in case one fails, the other one will keep the water warm until the problem is corrected.

[ShinShin]

Half right, Chris. The other half is if you have one large heater that sticks on, it will cook your fish, while the smaller one may warm things up if one sticks, it won't cook your fish. Theoretically, the 2nd smaller should stay off if the other sticks.

3-5 watts per gallon is recommended depending on the ambient room temperature.

Mat

[chrisb01]

Thanks Mat. That makes a whole heck of a lot of sense.