heater question

[reefer_new]

I am setting up a 120 gal tank in my basement
i bought 2X300 watt heaters for the tank.

in the winter the basement goes down to 50 degrees

questions
1) will 600 Watts be enough to keep the tank at 78
2) will the heaters cycle on and off or will they be on all the time to keep the tank at 78

i am worried that it will take an arm and leg to keep this tank woam

[dearmey]

You should get a controller for them.

I have 300g and 2x300 and a 400w heater on a ranco controller in a 60 degree basement. It sees to work but my electric bill has been killing me.

The heaters might cycle on and off. Mine seems to do this. Alot of times all three heaters wont be on.

[reefer_new]

thats what i am afraid off..
that the Heating bill would be nuts..

if the heater runs 24 hrs to keep the temp at 78

600*24*30/1000*0.116 = 25 $ / month to run just the heaters :(

i was wondering how much heat in terms of degrees is lost / hr

[dearmey]

You could wrap three sides of the tank in insulating board. I might do this next year.

If you are worried about not enough heaters just get another one.

[reefer_new]

does insulating the tank work??

or should get glass covers for the tank to hold the heat in??