Heater question (does higher heat, heat faster?)

[Stratoquarius]

I don't know wether this is a stupid question or not , but basically.

Having 2 300w heaters on 78 degrees heats slower than say setting them both to 95?

OR

that its 300w so it is heating at the same heat until it reaches the desired temperature?

I think i heard the wattage one is correct but I'm just curious.

Thanks Stratoquarius

 

[joe jaskot]

Heaters have thermostats. If you set the thermostat of your heater to 78 degrees, the heater will remain on until the water surrounding it reaches 78 degrees. So if you set your thermostat to 95 degrees, the heater will remain on until the water surrounding the heater reaches 95 degrees. What this should tell you is that water circulation is important to have an even tank temperature. As to your question, the water will heat up faster if the temperature is set to 95 degrees rather than 78 degrees simply because the heater will remain on longer without shutting off. The same amount of heat is coming out of the heater, but the heater set at the higher temperature will be on for a longer amount of timer.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; When set to 78 you get the full 300 watts of heating from each heater while it is on. The thermostat on all heater I have ever used is an on/off switch, the heating power stays the same.

 

[Gervahlt]

Hello; When set to 78 you get the full 300 watts of heating from each heater while it is on. The thermostat on all heater I have ever used is an on/off switch, the heating power stays the same.

+1

 

[Jc1119]

Heaters have thermostats. If you set the thermostat of your heater to 78 degrees, the heater will remain on until the water surrounding it reaches 78 degrees. So if you set your thermostat to 95 degrees, the heater will remain on until the water surrounding the heater reaches 95 degrees. What this should tell you is that water circulation is important to have an even tank temperature. As to your question, the water will heat up faster if the temperature is set to 95 degrees rather than 78 degrees simply because the heater will remain on longer without shutting off. The same amount of heat is coming out of the heater, but the heater set at the higher temperature will be on for a longer amount of timer.

x2

one thing i might add is the most aquarium heater thermostats are fairly quirky. Some can be off by as much as 10 degrees,others can stick. I've cooked a tank or 2 in my time, so I highly recommend using a separate temp controller, such as a Ranco ETC.

 

[ALAINA]

x2

one thing i might add is the most aquarium heater thermostats are fairly quirky. Some can be off by as much as 10 degrees,others can stick. I've cooked a tank or 2 in my time, so I highly recommend using a separate temp controller, such as a Ranco ETC.

i have had the same problem.. i have to use a digital thermometer to test my tanks once in a while lol my one heater only has low med or high..

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Thermostats can be quirky and do have a temp range of operation. The good ones have a range that does not vary too much. I use the type that hang on the side of the tank and can see the contact points on them. After a time in operation the contact points will transfer some material from one point to the other because of the arc that happens as they open and close. (The same sort of thing use to happen on contact points in a car distribuitor.) I have opened the heaters up and removed the glass tube so that I can file the burr down. I use a point file from my automobile tool kit. This will flatten the point surfaces and renew the gap so that the little burr sticking out does not allow the heater to stick in the on position. Many thermostats use a bi-metal strip that moves as it is heated or cooled and this movement opens the contact points when warm and closes them when the temp cools down. I never had one with a range of 10 degrees yet, but if it did it would be time to fix or replace it.

I guess that there are new styles available with a different sort of thermostat, but I have not used them yet. I also have not tried the completely submersible type as yet and have some concerns about them.

Heaters have failed both on and off for me over the decades. This is one reason I like to use two heaters, so that if one fails is is less likely that a tank will be overheated or become too cool. I also check the tank temps much more often during the heating season.

 

[plecostic]

I want to explore the idea of keeping the room at 72 then simply not have any heaters. I remember in summer, I did not use any heaters and the water was always at right temp. Another idea is to use regular room lights instead of a fish light on aquarium. Why add the extra electricity if we don't have to.