How many watts per gallon
- Thread starter PCIALF
- Start date
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Re: How many watts per gallon
Whatever the correct answer is, split it in half so you have two smaller heaters instead of just one big one.
I think I'm running a 100 and 150 watter on my system. We keep the house fairly cool (68F when nobody's home, 72 when we're here) and my sump is in the basement- which in my particular case is usually the warmest room in my house.
I must be getting old- I can't remember the recommendation!
Whatever the correct answer is, split it in half so you have two smaller heaters instead of just one big one.
I think I'm running a 100 and 150 watter on my system. We keep the house fairly cool (68F when nobody's home, 72 when we're here) and my sump is in the basement- which in my particular case is usually the warmest room in my house.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
ouch. That would mean I'd need 1100watts of heaters on my 225.
I think the 5watt/gallon recommendation might be for aquarium systems with no other sources of heat.
(Reef aquariums absorb a lot of heat from pumps, lights etc. etc.)
Two watts per gallon would seem more appropriate...
chrisguy
New member
I always thought it was 2-3 watts per gallon, 2 if you have other heat sources like lights, pumps, etc. and 3 if you are having trouble maintaining your temp.
The key is what Gary stated, IMO always use 2 heaters instead of 1. If one of the two smaller heater fails in an on state, it will take longer to over heat a tank and likely (hopefully) be seen before any damage is done. The inverse is also true, if one of two small heaters fail, the other heater will keep the temp from dropping too fast.
The key is what Gary stated, IMO always use 2 heaters instead of 1. If one of the two smaller heater fails in an on state, it will take longer to over heat a tank and likely (hopefully) be seen before any damage is done. The inverse is also true, if one of two small heaters fail, the other heater will keep the temp from dropping too fast.
Paradiddle7
New member
Tank Size Power Needed
5â€"œ15 gallons 50 watt
15â€"œ30 gallons 100 watt
30â€"œ45 gallons 150 watt
40â€"œ75 gallons 200 watt
55â€"œ100 gallons 300 watt
80â€"œ150 gallons 400 watt
100â€"œ175 gallons 500 watt
I have 2 x 250w heaters in my sump for my 90g tank. Figure another 10g in the system for a total of 100g. The tank is in my basement so I made sure that each heater is capable of sustaining my tank's heat in case one fails. I set the heaters to be capable of establishing the temperature I want my tank to be and then turn them 1 click higher and then control them with my AQ controller. I merge the heaters into 1 plug on my controller power bar. This way, my AQ controller will keep the temperature at what I want and if for some reason the AQ fails or gets misprogrammed, my tank will be 1-2 degrees warmer than the 79 I set it too. Also, if 1 heater fails, my tank will still run fine.
Heaters are cheap so I make sure they are completely redundant.
5â€"œ15 gallons 50 watt
15â€"œ30 gallons 100 watt
30â€"œ45 gallons 150 watt
40â€"œ75 gallons 200 watt
55â€"œ100 gallons 300 watt
80â€"œ150 gallons 400 watt
100â€"œ175 gallons 500 watt
I have 2 x 250w heaters in my sump for my 90g tank. Figure another 10g in the system for a total of 100g. The tank is in my basement so I made sure that each heater is capable of sustaining my tank's heat in case one fails. I set the heaters to be capable of establishing the temperature I want my tank to be and then turn them 1 click higher and then control them with my AQ controller. I merge the heaters into 1 plug on my controller power bar. This way, my AQ controller will keep the temperature at what I want and if for some reason the AQ fails or gets misprogrammed, my tank will be 1-2 degrees warmer than the 79 I set it too. Also, if 1 heater fails, my tank will still run fine.
Heaters are cheap so I make sure they are completely redundant.
acdraindrps
New member
Ambient temperature has a lot to do with how many watts you'll need. My tank is in the basement which gets pretty cold in the winter so I need more than what is recommended.
Definately use at least two heaters.
Definately use at least two heaters.
Call me overkill on this issue . I can't forget cooking two very nice Oscars about 15 years ago when a heater stuck on. In addition to multiple heaters,I now use a one way controller(about $45). I set the heater thermostats 2 degrees or so higher(81) than the controller set point(79). This way they always come on when the temp drops below the controller set point and go off when the controller solenoid stops the power,
KurtsReef
Premium Member
I have (2) 250, (1) 300, and one smaller heater all hooked up but only come on when the temp of the tank reaches 78 or 77.5 (cannot remember what I have the minimal temp set at) which is rarely except in the middle of the night winter time.
The MH's do a good job of heating water
The MH's do a good job of heating water
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
Tom,
Can you point me in the right direction for finding a controller at that price? The Ranco single stage seem to be in the neighborhood of $70.
Thanks!
Can you point me in the right direction for finding a controller at that price? The Ranco single stage seem to be in the neighborhood of $70.
The controller I have is an Aqua Medic. Joe at Salt Water Paradise ordered it for me from his supplier. I've had it about four months with no problems. It does vary about one degree from my didital thermometer but I guess they all do.
The controller I have is an Aqua Medic. Joe at Salt Water Paradise ordered it for me from his supplier. I've had it about four months with no problems. It does vary about one degree from my didital thermometer but I guess they all do.
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
Tom- to quote somebody you don't have to cut and paste. Just click on the quote button at the top right side of their post. Try it!
