Is it true that lower wattage rated heaters will use less electricity given identical environment?
Is it ok to use a 200 w heater on a 20 high tank?
- Thread starter PuppyFluffer
- Start date
They do use more power. And I think a larger wattage heater would tend to overshoot on the temp. Should not be a big concern in your situation however.
I have read of using two heaters to make sure you have coverage if one should quit working. If you want to use two, how do you size them? Do you use two that can heat the tank fully by themselves or do you split the needed wattage between the two heaters?
I believe that the major issue with using an overpowered heater is the possibility of it getting stuck on and stewing your fish. That is the same reason some people use two smaller heaters instead of one larger heater---it will overheat less quickly if one of them goes haywire. I believe that you just split your heating needs. If you need 200 watts, you get two 100 watt heaters.
I think the general rule of thumb is 5 watts per gallon, but it depends on the temperature differential---the difference between the average room temperature and the desired tank temperature. We let our place get down into the mid 50s at night and I keep my tanks at 75 (F), so 5 watts/gallon isn't enough for me. I currently have closer to 8 or 9 and that seems to be working.
I think the general rule of thumb is 5 watts per gallon, but it depends on the temperature differential---the difference between the average room temperature and the desired tank temperature. We let our place get down into the mid 50s at night and I keep my tanks at 75 (F), so 5 watts/gallon isn't enough for me. I currently have closer to 8 or 9 and that seems to be working.
