Beginner Questions - my very first tank

Setting up a new 55 gallon long tank (freshwater + low light plants)

I was wondering how much power I need out of my heater. I currently have one 200 watt heater but I was told to get an additional 100 watt and to run both, is that a good idea? I haven't actually setup my tank yet (just bought everything, still researching, going to set it up next week) I am still deciding on the type of fish I am keeping but probably just basic/beginner fish.

 

Good morning,

I think the 200w heater will do well. It never hurts to have an additional heater in the aquarium as a back up in case 1 fails.

For my 33g tank, I have a 200w in the tank and a 100w in the filter (wet/dry filter).

If you're only going to use 1, I recommend placing it in the center of the tank a couple of inches away from your substrate, horizontally.

Ken

 

I kept a 200 watt heater in my 55 and it xould keep 78 degrees. So I think you'll be fine. However having two heaters has many advantages they both don't run as much and if one fails the other will kick in

 

It depends on your room temperature to. Where I live it gets really cold in winter so my house gets pretty cool somedays. So I need 2 heaters to keep up in winter.

 

Try it with one 200W heater, which is about the right size for a 55 gallon, and if the temperature is stable enough summer through winter, you'll be fine. In most cases it'll be fine if your room temperature doesn't fluctuate too much. This is also assuming you're stocking tropical fish and not a "coldwater" or native tank, which would require either no heater or even a chiller in some cases.

 

Yes I would test out the heater for two days it took me about 3 days to get my 160 gallon right where I wanted it