50 gallon heater

[gtp0083]

I have been running a 100w Eheim in my 29g tank. It's rated for up to 40 gallons. I figure the bigger the heater the less work it has to do. Not sure if this equates to less energy used.

I upgraded to a 50g AIO. I have been searching for a heater to fit in the back. I don't think the Eheim Jager rated for a 50g will fit in the back compartment of the tank.

Many people have recommended I use a much smaller heater rated for less water volume such as a cobalt 50w. I have concerns it may have to work to hard to keep the tank at the appropriate temp. Again not sure if that will equate to more energy used. Also concerned of the life expectancy of a heater that has to work very hard.

I appreciate that we live in AZ and in the summer a heater isn't the biggest concern. In the summer my house is 78 during the day and 76 at night. Surprisingly with no heater( no inhabitants yet) the tank is hovering around 73. In the winter the windows are usually open. If it gets cold enough I only heat to about 70 so a heater is necessary.

Thoughts on a heater? What do you use?


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[Vanpire]

This is pure heat. Heater will take longer to raise the tank by X degrees, but the energy consumed is total energy used to heat your tank by X degrees should be the same.

 

[gtp0083]

So if I'm getting this right a 100w will take a shorter period of time to heat x degrees but use equal energy in that shorter period compared to a 50w taking a longer period of time.

So what your saying is it doesn't matter just may take longer?


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[Vanpire]

If you have the same volume of water, the 100 W heater will spend twice as much energy but run 1/2 as long as a 50W. So the next effect is zero.

Please note that if you want to raise the water temp significantly the 50 W might not be strong enough. It might run all day and not get there.

For example if you have a 50 gallon, the air temp is 60 degrees and the current tank temp is 60 degree and you want to raise the tank temp to 80 with a 50W heater, the heater does not have enough energy/power to do so.

 

[gtp0083]

Well in going to buy the eheim 150w and try and stuff it in there haha. If it doesn't fit I may have to go with one of those cobalts. A LFS recommended a cobalt 50w which is rated for 16 gallons! I couldn't believe it that's why I'm asking.


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[gtp0083]

So my 100w fits in the rear chamber but has to literally sit against my return pump. Does anyone see any issues with that?


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[Vanpire]

So my 100w fits in the rear chamber but has to literally sit against my return pump. Does anyone see any issues with that?


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You should be ok as long as long as you have moving water, and get one that auto shut-off with no water.

I have a titanium heater controlled by my Apex melt my sump acrylic when I was doing a water change.

Van