I have a 20g tank, and I am using a Hydar 100w heater. I have it set to the maximum setting, 87ºF, but I have seldom seen the tank over 75º. This is the very bottom of the tolerable range of temperature for my tetras. This become a big problem when I do water changes and the temperature drops below 70º and often stays there for almost 24 hours. This seems like it would be very stressful for my fish. Is it something I'm doing wrong, or is the heater just being unreliable, and if so, which brands of heaters have you guys found to be consistent?
Thanks,
Meatball
EDIT: The tank is also near a window, so that might be the problem, I guess.
That makes sense - one more quick question, though. If I get a heater that could potentially be "too much" wattage for the tank, it will not overheat the tank or anything, will it?
One is set at 78, the other at 82, which keeps my tank at 78 degrees.
I've got another 25W in a 6gl set at 87 to maintain the tank at 80 degrees.
I agree that you'll need a higher wattage of heater to get your tank up to 78 degrees.
I am thinking you may have a faulty heater. 100w should be able to heat your tank. When buying a new one it is always better to go with more watts, then the heater is not working as hard to heat the tank. You may just have to turn down the heat setting to get your tank at the desired temperature.
also when you do a water change you should put the water in at the same temp as whats already in the tank. so if the tank water is at 75, the fresh water should be at 75 also or at least real close.
I've been wondering about that lately too. Do you just use the hot water from your tap? If that's what you do, do you gt any problems with mineral buildup in your water heater changing the water quality?
yep, just let the hot water run for a minute then adjust it so its about the same temp of the tank water and you shouldnt have any problems at all. it will not only decrease the workload of your heater but it wont put any stress on your fish with the drastic temp change.
Whoa, do not get a heater thats too big. Once I bought a 200w heater for a 20 gal because it was only a dollar or 2 more than the 100w. A month later it stuck on and cooked my fish overnight. Fish stew. If it had been properly sized I would have had a lot longer to notice there was a problem. If you can afford it, using 2 smaller heaters is often recommended, if one malfunctions you will have longer to notice the problem.
3-5w per gallon is generally recommended. I saw a table somewhere, probably from one of the heater manufacturers, that said 200w should raise my 50g to 18degrees above room temp. I have had it up to 85degrees, so this is probably correct
On that size tank I'd recommend a single 100W heater. If you've got the money to use a pair of 50W's then go ahead.
100Ws should be plenty to keep your tank warm, if a 100W heater was having trouble with it either our room with the tank is extremely cold or something is wrong with the heater.
On that size tank I'd recommend a single 100W heater. If you've got the money to use a pair of 50W's then go ahead.
100Ws should be plenty to keep your tank warm, if a 100W heater was having trouble with it either our room with the tank is extremely cold or something is wrong with the heater.
Yeah, the reason could be that the tank is next to a window, which makes the temperature fluctuate. Heating the water before topping the tank off will definitely help, but if it doesn't solve the problem, what do you think I should do to keep the temp constant?
I'm thinking I'll just get a new 100w now, because this one is failing to get the temperature of the tank above 72º. The room temperature is usually in the mid-60s and NEVER goes below 60º (the tank resides in the finished half of my basement), so that isn't an unmanageably big difference between room temperature and desired temperature.
That's still a pretty big differential to make up. You're looking to raise your temperature between15 and 20 degrees. A 100W heater may not be enough in that case. If I were you I wouldn't throw out the heater you have. Buy a 50W and see if the two combined can bring the temperature up.
Another factor could be the thermometer on the heater. In my experience most of the level the heater's thermometer claims it will heat to will not be the actual temperature it puts out. Most heaters actually heat the water to a temperature colder than the stated temperature. Lastly, it is safe to use any water from a tap if you use a chemical remover like aquasafe.
You should be able to buy this at any LFS.
P.S. before you buy another heater try to crank up the heat on the heater and see what happens go up a few degrees each hour an see what your thermometer says.
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