Equal heating throughout.

[soko]

In a long aquarium if you are only using one high wattage heater, the circulation will not be equal throughout the aquarium it would seem. Would fish be bothered by the warm/cold areas of maybe a few degree differences or would they try to stay in the areas that are comfortable to them?

 

[Randall]

Heating a long aquarium

Dear Soko,

Rather than use one high-wattage heater, it might preferable to use two lower-wattage heaters situated at each end of the tank. This will keep your water temperature more uniform throughout the tank.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[Neil]

soko,

Randalls suggestion is a very good one. Not only is this a more efficient way of equalizing heat throughout the tank, but it also has the benefit of giving a back up if one heater stops working. Also if one heater fails to turn off, which happens from time to time, it will take much longer to heat the aquarium to dangerous levels, while the working heater will likely turn off at the preset level. Backup systems in the aquarium can be a lifesaver.

Neil

 

[John7]

Heater wattage vs tank capacity...

What is the formula for heater wattage vs tank capacity? I have heard that it is something like 5 watts per gallon, is that correct?
John

 

[fishgeek]

Depends on the make of heater to some extent
if you loook oon the manufactureres web pages you will usually find a guide to wattage versus volume

Andrew

 

[farm41]

Mostly depends on the temerature differential. If you need to heat the water 10 degrees above room temp. maybe 5 wpg will be right. I only heat the water about 5 degrees and use 3wpg.

YMMV

 

[John7]

Wattage vs gallons...

Thanks Matt!