heater for a 60 gallon with sump?

[lsvagabond]

I have a 60 gallon with 20 gallon sump that I need a heater for. A few questions... do i need the water up to temp before I start adding live sand from my other tank to get the good bacteria going in it or can I start adding it before i get a heater in there. Also curios how big and what type of heater I will need.
thanks
mike

 

[PSam]

I've always adjusted to temp +/- a few degrees before adding anything (aside from water). I also use 2 heaters on all my tanks / fresh & salt. I would put something like 2x200 watt heaters in.

 

[lsvagabond]

your in the village PSam? me to. I think there might be a few others lurking around here. we should get a mini tank tour frag somethin er other going.

 

[lsvagabond]

any suggestions on brand/model?

 

[PSam]

Yessir... chicago / damen. I've always bought the 'mid-grade' Tronic heaters for my fresh and saltwater. I think hagen makes them. I'm sure someone can chime in with a more accurate model, but the Tronics have always done me proper, minus the small inaccuracies in the output vs. physical setting on the heater, but that's what a seperate thermometer is for :smokin: ... no matter what heater you get, get two.