Heaters

[mslittlebear]

Hello,

I have a 55 gal. long freshwater tank and I am in need of a new heater. I have several guaramis and barbs, and two Cats. I am looking to get the best heater possible, any suggestions? THanks!

Carol

[vjvl51]

I would recommend a 150 watt heater. Any of the brands listed here will do the job without any problem. Here is a link to a chart that lists tank sizes and recommended heaters - http://www.aquariumpros.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=APG&Screen=Heater%20Guide

I usually recommend that people get 2 smaller heaters (in your case, two 75 watt heaters). Heaters, when they fail, either fail full on (and end up cooking your fish) or full off (the water drops to room temperature). If you have two smaller heaters, if one fails full on, usually it is not enough to cook the tank (the thermostat in the other heater will keep it off).

Another advantage of 2 heaters is that it spreads out the heat better so you don't have one side 1 to 2 degrees warmer than the other (depending upon how much flow you have).

Vickie