Which Sized Heater

[cartandpeg]

Hi,
Quick question,I am returning a Jager 200w heater,still new, not used and I purchased this for a 240ltr Aquarium,should I go with another 200w jager or upgrade to a 300w Jager,the 200w will do up too 400ltrs,I am asking in case they do not have the 200w replacement in.

Hopefully relying on peoples personal preference and not by what a calculator chat says.

Thank you.

 

[raptorrex]

I'd use 1x300w in this size tank, if i used a single heater.
though I'd, personally, like to use 2x200w.
as i prefer to use two heaters for peace of mind.

 

[cartandpeg]

Thanks raptorrex,
so even though the 300 says it will heat from 600 to 1000 that will ok,seeing as my tank is 240 odd?With the 200 heating up to 400 ltrs.

 

[raptorrex]

Thanks raptorrex,
so even though the 300 says it will heat from 600 to 1000 that will ok,seeing as my tank is 240 odd?

I think you will find most consider that to be the right heater for that volume.
you dont really want a heater to run "flat out".
inevitably that will lead to early failure.

the main reason i like to run two heater each of half the wattage, is to ensure any failure will not lead to the tank over heating.
but giving enough "grunt" to keep it stable if the weather and the house turn colder.

if I'm honest, I'd say a 150w, given normal house heating, could do the job. (well in my house)
but, if the ambient temp drops, it would really struggle.

so I'll stay with 300w for your tank

 

[cartandpeg]

Thanks raptorrex,
I will see if they will let me upgrade to the 300w,summer heading this way soon, so house gets pretty warm at times,so I will just adjust to suit the room temp,so I get a happy medium.

Thank you

 

[raptorrex]

Thanks raptorrex,
I will see if they will let me upgrade to the 300w,summer heading this way soon, so house gets pretty warm at times,so I will just adjust to suit the room temp,so I get a happy medium.

Thank you

if your tank get too hot during the summer.
try using a fan, blowing on the water surface.
it will help cool down the water.
there is a trade off though, you loose a good bit more water through evaporation.

 

[cartandpeg]

Ok thank you.I will just crank the aircon up and tell the good wife it is for the sake of the Aquarium.

 

[Aquascaper]

Putting a large heater on a smaller tank than it's rated for will just mean that it will switch on for less time to regulate the water temp, not that it will overheat the tank (as long as it's thermostatically controlled). A bigger wattage means a bigger element so overall a bigger heater, the main reason it's not common practice to put big heaters in small tanks as they are much more noticeable.

Two heaters rather than one combats 'dead spots' within the tank if it's very long, large decor, etc. and also means if one should fail there's a backup until it's replaced.

As already mentioned, 1 x 300w or 2 x 150w would be fine on your tank depending on layout.

 

[cartandpeg]

Thank you Aquascaper,
I mainly went for the jager 200 watt as it was capable of heating the amount of water I have, going by their chart,I checked out the tank in the shop today and it has only one entrance area for heater cable,hoses etc to go through and to put another heater in (two) would mean the power cord would have to run along the inside of back glass to the other side of the tank,I am am trying to not have to much visual cords etc.The entrance being at the pick up tube end,all filtration being in the hood.

Plus the fact I got the 200 watt at a good price



Sizing Chart
Watts Aquarium gallons Length
50 5-15 9 inches
100 15-30 12 inches
150 30-45 13 inches
200 40-75 15 inches
250 55-100 17 inches

Sorry about the way the chart layout looks.

The above chart is for Ebo-jager heaters,which from I can gather Ebo was bought by Eheim so assuming they kept the same technology the chart would be applicable to the Eheim heater.

As you said they are big heaters.

 

[Aquascaper]

I have a Jager 300w in my sump and it's like a lightsaber it's that big

 

[thereverendturtle]

A general rule of thumb, is 5 watts per gallon. Although my house is always close to 70 deg, so I get away with smaller heaters.