More Newbie Questions (Heater)

[OgreMkV]

What's an appropriate sized (wattage) heater for a 46g bowfront? I'll have a reef tank with either PC or T5 lights (96W give or take). The room is one of the coolest in the house almost always between 75 and 78 degrees.

Where should I mount it? I've got my FW heater parallel to the tank bottom about two inches from the sand. Works?

Will coraline algae grow on the heater? Will it interfere with the heater?


Yes, I know, the heater belongs in the sump/refugium. I don't have those and won't for a bit.

 

[schigara]

I would think a 100w or 2-50w heaters would be plenty. I would also go so far as to say that anyone should steer clear of glass all-in-one heaters. Even cheap titanium elements with cheap electronic remote controllers are much better.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+13966&pcatid=13966

 

[Reefscape]

What's an appropriate sized (wattage) heater for a 46g bowfront? I'll have a reef tank with either PC or T5 lights (96W give or take). The room is one of the coolest in the house almost always between 75 and 78 degrees.

<<I'd shoot for a 15w heater>>

Where should I mount it? I've got my FW heater parallel to the tank bottom about two inches from the sand. Works?

<<Most heaters are commonly at an angel, mounted on the back of the tank, which is normally hidden by the wall of live rock>>

Will coraline algae grow on the heater? Will it interfere with the heater?

<<Yes, coralline will grow over anything it can. On my old reef system, i would be scraping all the pink algae off it every month..I suppose it may inhibit some heat, but, i would not of thought it was anything to be concerned about>>

Yes, I know, the heater belongs in the sump/refugium. I don't have those and won't for a bit.

<<Fact is, the belongs anywhere which best suits>>

Added some comments in red