2 heaters or 1

I have a 200W heater on one end of my tank it seems to keep that end at the correct temperature but the other end seems cold can I add a 50w heater to the cold end to help regulate the temperature?

 

What size tank is this?
edit: never mind, just saw the thread title. For that size I would go with 2, one on each side.

 

2 is better than one. Just monitor your temperature for a couple days to make sure it doesn't shoot up.

 

I agree with above 2 is better than 1

 

what does the thermometer say?

Or I just feeling by hand that one side is colder than the other?

Btw there isn't a problem with two heaters.

 

I always run 2 heaters and 2 filters on all my large tanks. For the heaters I usually do 2 that are a little more than half the wattage needed for the tank. For instance in my 55 gallon I have 2 150 watt heaters for a total of 300 watts, a little more than 5 watts per gallon(which is what is usually recommended). In my 75 gallon I have 2 200 watt heaters.

 

In my 55 I have a single heater, although I have a decent current in my tank from my filter output. With good circulation I'm not sure there's a need for a second heater, however it would be nice to have a backup if one happens to stop working.

 

I have a 46 gal and I only use one heater and it works just fine. Make sure it's placed rt next to your filter so the water flow disperses the heat. Also (if u don't already) have two thermometers, one on each side of your tank. From my experience as long as your heater is strong enough for your tank (its good to have one that is for a tank slightly larger than the one you'll be using it in) you should be fine. I have read though that multiple heaters with combined strength equal to one needed for that sized tank is good too. Hope his helps

 

I wondered about this. I have a 55 gallon tank. The heater is set at "84" degrees and next to the filter. The other end is 77-78 degrees. Should I consider another heater on the other end?

Also I'm getting a more accurate theometer for the tank. Currently I have the sticker one that is placed outside of the tank. Where is the best place to place that? In the middle of the tank? What about if I got two heaters?

Thanks.

 

I wondered about this. I have a 55 gallon tank. The heater is set at "84" degrees and next to the filter. The other end is 77-78 degrees. Should I consider another heater on the other end?

Also I'm getting a more accurate theometer for the tank. Currently I have the sticker one that is placed outside of the tank. Where is the best place to place that? In the middle of the tank? What about if I got two heaters?


Thanks.

Strip thermometers are not very accurate you have that right. Secondly before you buy another heater get an accurate thermometer and find out your temperature.

Secondly make sure your heater is where the water comes out your filter. This way the heat cicculates.

Thirdly the best place for a thermometer is the middle of your tank halfway down. Once you have a steady temperature you can move the thermometer to the side.

 

make sure the heater you have is powerful enough for the size tank you've got. the heater I have for my 46 gal is powerful enough for a slightly larger aquarium and works great. I just set it a little lower...ex: I keep my tank around 75 and have heater set to 72 and it maintains 75 perfectly. you'll have to experiment a little to get it set to where it maintains the temp your wanting. also a good thermometer that isn't pricey are the ones that stick to the tank using a magnet.

 

That's good to know. I'm just waiting for the API Test and the theometer, which has a suction cup...Better than that sticker one.

 

Agreed with the masses; 2 slightly underpowered heaters are better than 1 for 2 reasons...1) If one of them goes the other one should at keep the tank temp close to nominal depending on the ambient temp and 2) If one of them goes and locks in the "On" position you'll have more time to catch it before you start boiling fish.