Heater Risk? Too many watts/gal?

[FlashJordan]

Quick question. I have to set up a QT for a week or so to treat some flukes, and I was wondering if there are any risks in using a 150 watt heater whose range is 20-40 gal in a 10 gal nano. I've had it up, sans fish for a few days now and the temp seems to be holding fine, but I just wanted to know if it'll probably be safe enough to maintain for another week or so.

Thanks!

[fishpoop]

I don't see a problem if the temp is stable. But if it's not on a controller and sticks ON, it'll get real hot real fast.
I'd use it for a week or so.

[yh1185]

the wattage on the heaters really just tell you how much heat the heater can generate, and how quickly. Therefore, using a larger wattage heater is perfectly fine. The only thing that's going to happen, is the water will heat up a lot faster, so it just won't be on as much. This also means that fishpoop is right about if it gets stuck on, your basically going to be boiling flukes ;)

[m12x13adass]

I've always used oversized heaters for my nanos and I've never had issues.

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Same as the above. I use a 200 watt heater for making water in a 5 gallon bucket. No problems here. Temp is always 80, everytime i check it.

[solitude127]

I'm currently using a 300w heater for a 20g QT tank. Also, keep in mind that if your ambient temp is low, you'll need the extra wattage to keep the water temp stable

[James77]

The only risk is from the reduction of time you have to catch it should it stick on. If you have a relaible controller, it would be far less of a rsik. The thermostats in hobby heaters make crap seem like quality.

[FlashJordan]

Thanks, all!