Beginner in need of help with First tank

Hello everybody,

I have two questions I’m hoping someone can answer!
I am setting up my first tank, its 75 gallons and I want it to be low tech planted.

1. I want two heaters in case one fails or gets over worked. How many watts will I need if I want to raise the temp in the tank about 10- 15 Fahrenheit from room temp?
Is two 300watt heater too much?

2. What’s the best type of lights for low tech planted tanks? Someone told me to use dimmable LEDs with red green and blue light, will this work?


Any help is very very much appreciated!

-Meg

 

HI Meg, 2 300 watt heaters will be more than enough, I use a single 300w for my 55gal.

I have Led on my tank too, they work great although I’m not sure what type is best for planted tanks

 

Java fern, Vallisneria, elodea, most sword species, java moss will all do well with low-medium light and a good all in one liquid fertilizer.
Honestly, two 300 watt heaters in a 75 gallon is kind of overkill. I would shoot for anywhere in the 300-500 watt range

 

HI Meg, 2 300 watt heaters will be more than enough, I use a single 300w for my 55 gallon.

I have Led on my tank too, they work great although I’m not sure what type is best for planted tanks

Awesome! Thanks so much for the reply

Java fern, Vallisneria, elodea, most sword species, java moss will all do well with low-medium light and a good all in one liquid fertilizer.
Honestly, two 300 watt heaters in a 75 gallon is kind of overkill. I would shoot for anywhere in the 300-500 watt range

That’s really good to know thanks so much for the advise!

 

Why would you need to adjust the water temp 10 to 15 degrees from room temp?

Re lighting..... type of water is more important than lighting.

 

Why would you need to adjust the water temp 10 to 15 degrees from room temp?

Re lighting..... type of water is more important than lighting.

What I was trying to say is my room temp is about 10-15 degrees too cold for the types of fish I want to keep. Sorry if I worded it weird.

 

Keeping warmer water fish? Like 80-82F?

 

Keeping warmer water fish? Like 80-82F?
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I need the water to be about 78 Fahrenheit. My room temp is really cold 65-68 Fahrenheit usually.

 

ok... I get it now. I have a 20 gallon long in my living room and a 75g. My indoor temp varies between 62 & 64 F (can't afford any higher). The 20 gallon long with a one 100W heater can sustain 78 to 80F, but the 75 gallon with one 300W heater struggles. If I could do it again, I'd put two 150/200W heaters in the 75g.

There will a mathematician/scientist out there that can explain this. grrrrr

 

ok... I get it now. I have a 20 gallon long in my living room and a 75 gallon. My indoor temp varies between 62 & 64 F (can't afford any higher). The 20 gallon long with a one 100W heater can sustain 78 to 80F, but the 75 gallon with one 300W heater struggles. If I could do it again, I'd put two 150/200W heaters in the 75 gallon.

There will a mathematician/scientist out there that can explain this. grrrrr

Thanks for help! I appreciate it

 

What I was trying to say is my room temp is about 10-15 degrees too cold for the types of fish I want to keep. Sorry if I worded it weird.

I knew what you meant . I have the same issue. Cold winters and no heater at all during the summer.

I use this chart when I'm in doubt. I would say 2 250s would be sufficient.

 

I knew what you meant . I have the same issue. Cold winters and no heater at all during the summer.

I use this chart when I'm in doubt. I would say 2 250s would be sufficient.

Thanks so much for the help I really appreciate it!

 

I knew what you meant . I have the same issue. Cold winters and no heater at all during the summer.

I use this chart when I'm in doubt. I would say 2 250s would be sufficient.

I have exactly the same problem its annoying. 80+ degrees F in summer 65 or under in the winter.

 

I have exactly the same problem its annoying. 80+ degrees F in summer 65 or under in the winter.

I live in the California Desert. Not quite as bad as Phoenix or Tucson, but still high 90's to low 100's and can't afford to keep it cool. Inside temps are often in the 90's. I just protect from the sun, and keep a fan running. During the winter we keep the heat down to 65, but sometimes it drops to about 60. That's when a good heater is necessary, to keep the temp 10 to 15 above room temp