Low budget heater for a 250 gallon?

[NeonFlux]

I need a heater that can heat up a 250 gallon nicely...any inexpensive heaters out there that can fire up a 250 gallon? I have seen this at drfostersmith

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+22277&pcatid=22277

800W Seems ideal......but look at that price..! Ouch?

Any help would greatly be appreciated.

 

[aclockworkorange]

Heaters really aren't one of those things you want to skimp on, but what's your honest budget?

 

[Brian_Indiana]

I have a 220 and use two 400w Hydor Theo Heaters (available on Fosters). I use Theos in all of my tanks and I have never had any problems. I would use multiple heaters rather than just one. It will help keep the temp more even across the whole tank.

A lot of people recommend the in-line heaters, but I have never used them.

Lights and the room temperature have a great impact on heating requirements. I always use the 3w-4w/gallon formula as a guideline.

 

[Chefken]

i agree.....two heaters ( I like jaeger/Ehiem) will set you back less than half that 800 watt monster AND do a better job. if you hate the clutter put in in your sump!

 

[sunvalley aquarist]

You can get an 800 watt finnex titanium heater with controller from aquacave for around $90.

 

[zebvance]

I just bought a all glass aquarium brand heater from eBay for 7 dollars. It is only 300 watts but has not had any trouble at all keeping my 240 at 80 degrees. The other morning I woke up and my house was 55 and the temp in the Tank only dropped to 78.

 

[insanity0x1]

I second titanium heaters.. I believe they're like 60-80$ or so for an 800w with two heaters and controller

 

[phillydog1958]

Get a nice heater. You don't want to cook or freeze your fish with a cheap heater.

 

[Pharaoh]

I think I bought my titanium 1kW for $45 and I paid around $75 for my controller.

Try www.jehmco.com

 

[NeonFlux]

Wow thanks a lot for the replies, guys! Well, I might go with the Hydor Theo heater x2 400 watt. $61.98 to heat a 250. Not bad! That idea seems to be good to me, and you can't find a way to beat the price down any further than that haha. It's fully submersible too, so that's pretty awesome plus.. What do the rest of you folks think about the idea anyway? Before I hit the order button.