Quick question on heating a tank

[ptillett]

Hey guys. I am pretty new to the aquarium world. I just bought a 240 gal acrylic off one of your members. He didn't need to heat the water, I do.

Any recommendations? I bought a 250 watt heater, but it didn't seem to do anything (unless it is not working).

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

p.s. Nice site. I will be prowling in the background for good info. Thanks.

 

[houie925]

one 250 watt won't do much good in a 240. What's the ambient temperature in the room and what temperature are you trying to maintain in your tank?

 

[Natural_Born_Killer]

What I've always done is add the water basically at the right temperature already so that the heater just has to maintain it.

 

[Natural_Born_Killer]

but you might just need a stronger heater...

 

[ptillett]

Right now, the temp in the tank is 74.5 degrees. I will need to get it up in the high 70's. I expect room temp to be 70 during the winter. I will need a 10 degree boost, eventually.

I found some recommendations for wattage vs. gallons and temp differences on the net. Looks like I would need 4-5 250 watt heaters. Lord....

 

[Toby_H]

I would suggest 2~3 Watts per gallon... acrylic holds heater better than glass...