heating a 300G

[TStephens]

I've always felt that 5W per gallon was an excessive suggestion for typical conditions... even if it is a common suggestion...

As described, the difference in temperature between the room and the water is a critical point... as well as how well the top of the tank is sealed... as well as what the tank is made of and if the tank is insulated...


I use 2W per gal for my aquariums in the house... and 3W per gal did fine in my 300 gal rubbermaid that didn't have any sort of a top on it...


The thing with heaters... if you "need" 2W per gal... but you "use" 5W per gal... either way you will have the same basic result... your tank will be warm enough...


But in my experience, using "to much" heater, causes the heater to turn itself on/off much more frequently... thus causing the "on'off mechanism" wear out faster... which is the most common and most destructive failure in a heater...


I'm not saying you are wrong, just sharing what I think and why I think it...

This seems to make more sense to me, as im shopping for heaters too.

 

[jclyde13]

1500 watts is not 'excessive' for heating a 300 gal. The recommendation is using 3-5watts per gallon.

Why? I've been using a single 300 watt heater on my 220g for around 5 or 6 months now and my temp. has always stayed between 79-82 degrees.

 

[Oddball]

79-82 is too broad a range for the angels and discus in my 300. 1500watts keeps my tank at the steady 84 I need.

 

[tcarswell]

I use 2 watts a gallon for a 10 degree increase with no problems. The heater is not on too often either. Love my new Ebo-Jager

 

[yogurt_21]

Basically it comes down to this: The difference of temperature between the room and your desired water temperature and insulation. Also you may try to move your heater into some water flow, sometimes just changing the position helps. Most heat is lost from the top of the tank, make sure you have a tight cover. Here in Arizona I'm always trying to keep my tanks cool so the opposite will work for you. Keep your lights on longer. Use submersible pumps if possible. Keep your surface area water flow as calm as possible. Think about trying to maintain cooler temps for the winter, even just a few degrees will make it easer for your heater to maintain and most likely this will not hurt your fish.
Getting a bigger heater is fine, eventually you will have enough heaters in your tank to maintain any temp you want.
Good luck!

^^ what he said

get a cover that seels the top nicely and you'd be suprised how little heater you need to maintain the same temperature. don't forget your sump as well if you use one.

 

[spiff]

1500 watts is what I use on 1600 gallons. It is keeping it at 89 degrees (getting over an ick problem) and is only on a couple hours at a time. Then it will stay off for several more hours. I have a lot of insulation though too.

But still, 1500watts does seem like a lot for 300.