heater question: 100w vs 300w

[uberunce]

ive been following this chart for heaters ( http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=96644 ) however i would assume it is used for minimum requirements for heating.
my question is what is the difference if i used a 100w heater opposed to a 300w heater in a tank of the same size? i would assume it would take the 100w three times the time it would the 300w to heat to the same temperature.
also on a cost perspective which would cost less on an electric bill? a 100w thats on all the time or a 300w thats on 1/3 of the day?

 

[SteveR]

Your logic is more or less sound. Better to have the bigger heater, itll be on less as it can heat the water quicker, and probably give a more stable temp. Always go with a bigger rated heater than what they suggest.

 

[joefish4]

Recovery rate....the 2 should work equally as well but should the temp outside the aquarium drop the 300 watt will compensate better. Also think of the heating element...100 watt will be on 3x longer and hence possible shorter life. I always go bigger...runs less and there if I need the extra power

 

[uberunce]

thanks for the replies. so for electric bill would it be the same for both heaters?

 

[12 Volt Man]

I usally go with aproximately 3 watts per gallon if that helps.

eg. if your tank is 90-100 gallons go with a 250-300W heater.

a 100W would burn out prematurely and you would have a cold tank down the road.

unless you have a million tanks, your heaters should not add very much to your electric bill. heating your house or apartment is most of the cost..