Size of heater?

[Layne Conitz]

I have a 120 gallon tank and as of now its set at 81 degrees, but I'm using 2 heaters. One is a 300 watt the other is a 200 watt. Saw a couple heaters around 400 watt would that work? They said 100-120 gallon. Jw brand and quality. Want something that is sturdy and will hold temp and last awhile. Thanks everyone.

 

[slippery slimecoat]

I have been running one jager 200 watt heater on my 120 for about 6 years now. It came with a used set up I bought, so I have no idea how old it was before I started using it.

 

[Layne Conitz]

Only a 200?

 

[slippery slimecoat]

Yes.

 

[slippery slimecoat]

I should clarify.... I do believe I'm on the low end for wattage, but the jager seems to handle it without issue for many years now.

*edit* not sure why everything is underlined.... lol

 

[wild bill]

We run our 240 with a 300 in the sump works great. The recomended heater size is only to sell the public more heaters.
Either one of your 2 heaters will probably be enough to heater your tank Layne. If you are worried use the 300.

 

[xraycer]

You're fine with the heaters you are using right now, no need to get higher wattages.

Highly recommend hooking both heaters up to controllers for an extra layer of protection.

 

[Layne Conitz]

sounds great thanks

 

[boldtogether]

I have a 300 Jåger in my sump for the 180 and it has worked like that for many years.
The key, I believe, is plenty of water current around the heater.
I kept a 50g in the garage heated with a 50w heater. Granted, the heater stayed on all the time...and I needed a powerhead pointed at it, but it was the best I could do at the time and it worked.
A 300w should be adequate for a tank inside your home and just make sure it sees plenty of flow.

 

[pdandy]

I use a 500w on my 320 gallon system. The heater is in the drain section of my sump and sees about 1500gph of flow over it.