Heater recommendation

1166 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by sowNreap, Aug 15, 2012

sowNreap

Discussion Starter · Aug 14, 2012

I have a 29 gal tank with Black Skirt Tetras in an unheated walkout basement apartment. In the winter my indoor temps can get to about 55-58 degrees .. I like it cold. LOL I'm running an HOB & sponge filter.

I'm reading conflicting info on the ideal temps for Black Skirt Tetras. Some sites say they're subtropical and temps can range from 68-79. Other sites say mid 70's to low 80's. Some say colder temps increases chance for Ick. ??

Regardless, I'll need to purchase a heater before winter comes. So to be on the lookout for a good deal or when I need to order something else I can save on shipping, I'm looking for recommendations based on my room temps and fish requirements.

I thought I calculated that I'd need 150 watt heater in order to get the temps up high enough. Does this sound about right? Or maybe I'd be better off with 2 smaller heaters? Or I could go with a cheaper heater with an inexpensive heat controller. Is there such a thing?

Guess I'm looking for the best but most inexpensive way to go .... Best bang for the buck.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

pandamonium

· #2 · Aug 14, 2012

I found that Eheim Jagers are very good quality and not too bad in terms of pricing. I got a 150W Eheim Jager on my 40 breeder. I keep the temperature at 81 and it rarely fluctuates. I built it into an inline heater so if you want to go that way, check out my signature. I paided I think 28-32 for the 150W and it's been worth the money.

Cooler temperatures will increase the duration of the ich life cycle. Temperatures at 86 cause ich to go through its full life cycle in 4 days. at 55, it could take weeks for ich to go through all 3 stages.

Save

Dany08fa

· #3 · Aug 14, 2012

Cant hurt to put a big heater in there. Better to have one too big than one without enough juice to heat the tank. If you have the money it wouldnt be a bad idea also to run 2 heaters just incase of one failing you would have a backup, but not needed especially if you only plan to have tetras in there.

Never used the eheim jagar heater but ive only heard good reviews. Im running the fluval e-series and i love mine but more expensive.

And ive never owned black skirt tetras but i am familiar with other species of tetra. They should be perfectly happy anywhere between (72-78)

Save

Bushkill

· #4 · Aug 14, 2012

pandamonium said:
I found that Eheim Jagers are very good quality and not too bad in terms of pricing. I got a 150W Eheim Jager on my 40 breeder. I keep the temperature at 81 and it rarely fluctuates. I built it into an inline heater so if you want to go that way, check out my signature. I paided I think 28-32 for the 150W and it's been worth the money.

Cooler temperatures will increase the duration of the ich life cycle. Temperatures at 86 cause ich to go through its full life cycle in 4 days. at 55, it could take weeks for ich to go through all 3 stages.

Agree 110% with all of the above. Jagers have been around for decades and have long been considered the best quality glass tube heater. I'm running several in the fish room and other than much more expensive titanium tubes with controllers I wouldn't consider changing.
You're also correct in thinking two heaters are "better" than one. Nothing in this hobby is foolproof and the one thing with the greatest potential for catastrophe (other than a massive tank leak when you're not home) is a heater stuck in the on position. Running 2 smaller heaters just helps your chances of surviving one of them being stuck in the on position.

Save

sowNreap

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 14, 2012 (Edited)

I've read good things about all heaters but seems the Jager's are most often recommended.

So considering the temp difference I'll experience in winter .. having to maintain tank temp almost 20 degrees higher than air temp .. would the best way to go be 2-100 watt heaters? Does that sound about right?

Edit: I don't have a top for this aquarium. I guess I should probably get one to be able to maintain better temp control. ??

Save

inkslinger

· #6 · Aug 15, 2012

I've had Black Skirt Tetras live in my tank for months at temps hitting
90-92 degrees in the summer.

Save

Bushkill

· #7 · Aug 15, 2012

sowNreap said:
I've read good things about all heaters but seems the Jager's are most often recommended.

So considering the temp difference I'll experience in winter .. having to maintain tank temp almost 20 degrees higher than air temp .. would the best way to go be 2-100 watt heaters? Does that sound about right?

Edit: I don't have a top for this aquarium. I guess I should probably get one to be able to maintain better temp control. ??

2-100's should be fine. Definitely get a top for it. You'll be amazed at how ell it keeps the heat in and minimizes evaporation too which would drive you insane at that temp. diff.

Save

sowNreap

Discussion Starter · #8 · Aug 15, 2012

I'm not worried too much about evaporation. It seems I have more evaporation during the summer than I did during the winter. But usually by the time the water level is down enough to make a difference it's time for a water change anyway.

But for keeping heat in a top might make a difference.

Thanks everyone for your imput.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month