Need heater advice for 90 gallon tank

[aussieman57]

I live in SW FL. During the summer the house temp is kept around 75 degrees (73 at night to keep the wife happy). We have central Air Conditioning that keeps the temp consistent during the summer. I was going to do SA Cichlids but again the wife wants African Cichlids which I used to breed during 1980's through 1990's. Anyway in the winter months it may go down to high 60's mid 70's outside so we turn the ac off. Occasionally (maybe a month out of the year) the nighttime temp may dip to high 40's. So I was thinking one 300 watt heater would do it. There are so many new gizmos available now compared to when I did this 30 years ago. Could really use some help on heater brand suggestions as back then my fish room had central heating so I did not use heaters. Also wondering what temp everyone is keeping their African Cichlids at.

 

[celebrist]

In my 90 I run 2 150 watt heaters one next to each filter intake

 

[TwoHedWlf]

I prefer to go with pairs of heaters but sounds like you'll barely be needing heating most of the year anyway. If you want to save a few bucks go with a single 300w Jager, want to be safe, get two.

 

[Chino 61]

I was considering using heaters but I like my place at 78 degrees internally. Which keeps my water between 72 and 76. It is these few cold days in the year that gets me considering the heater. But yes, if you keep temps below 78 degrees the water will be 5 to 6 degrees colder. Requiring a heater for most tropical fish. Safe water temp to me is between 72 and up.

 

[tlindsey]

I was considering using heaters but I like my place at 78 degrees internally. Which keeps my water between 72 and 76. It is these few cold days in the year that gets me considering the heater. But yes, if you keep temps below 78 degrees the water will be 5 to 6 degrees colder. Requiring a heater for most tropical fish. Safe water temp to me is between 72 and up.

Welcome aboard

 

[Chino 61]

Welcome aboard

Thank you. Interestingly glad this is here. And in my neck of the waters. SWFL.

 

[A201]

I run a single 300w Eheim Jager heater on my 120 gal. It works just fine.
I successfully kept African Cichlids many years maintaining the temperature between 76 - 80 degrees.

 

[Jexnell]

I live in the Pacific Northwest, also have tropical birds so in the winter house heat is set to 70°f. I used a single 250watt Ehiem Jager per tank to keep three 125gal tanks at 76°f. Summer Time I just unplugged the heaters and let them ebb and flow with the house temps, no A/C.

 

[aussieman57]

Thanks Stephen & Jexnell & everyone else for the advice. Looks like everyone is using the Eheim Jager which was one I was considering. It's been 30 years out of the hobby so I appreciate the help because I've forgotten quite a bit being away from fishkeeping for so long. Military life and constantly moving will do that to you. Plus all kinds of new stuff that we did not have 30 years ago. Glad I found this forum. Bob

 

[Jexnell]

Over 5 years I had no issues with Ehiem heaters. Aqueon and Topfin ones died in 6 months time.

Some people use Inkbird controllers as a backup safety to prevent a runaway failed heater.

https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-120V-1200W/dp/B07X1JT372/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2UKWWLIDD0KC4&keywords=inkbird+temperature+controller&qid=1638105558&qsid=130-0256179-8775256&sprefix=inkbi%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-4&sres=B01HXM5UAC%2CB07X1JT372%2CB07GQWY9HM%2CB01N56KEU6%2CB08DK87Q33%2CB01486LZ50%2CB08Y8GX1WT%2CB00OXPE8U6%2CB07KC24CKD%2CB07MB16C3K%2CB011296704%2CB08Y5JDYFY%2CB07R195CQF%2CB01KJYQG2C&srpt=HVAC_CONTROL_THERMOSTAT