Acceptable heating time

[Aquavaj]

Is one hour to raise my tank (130g net volume) .5 degrees too long? This is with a 300w jager I'm using temporarily until the 2 200w ones come in. But even with the extra 100w I don't see it shortening the time that much. Ambient temps in the house is high 60s to low 70s.

[McPuff]

I used a 500W finnex titanium heater in my 120. For my 300, I use a 500 and an 800w finnex titanium.

I suggest upping the wattage to 2 x 300w.

[billdogg]

^^^This^^^

I use 2 x 300W heaters in the sump of my 120DT. House temps in the 70-72 range, tank at 78.

[outssider]

As long as the temp is rising and not falling, I don' see where the problem is..??

[ClownNut]

As long as the temp is rising and not falling, I don' see where the problem is..??

if a 500w heater can heat up the water in 20 mins and only comes on every couple hours, vs 200w heater run 24/7. the amount of energy use was the problem.

[mcgyvr]

I typically recommend 3-5x tank gallons in heater wattage..
This typically handles up to a 10 deg ambient to tank temp difference without problems...

[McPuff]

I typically recommend 3-5x tank gallons in heater wattage..
This typically handles up to a 10 deg ambient to tank temp difference without problems...

Another option is to stagger the set temps for two different heaters. If my tank goes below 77.6, I have both heaters turn ON. Once it is below 77.8, one heater turns ON. The upper set points are also slightly staggered so that one heater doesn't stay ON when it's really no longer necessary. And this way, I don't always need 1,300 W of power draw just to heat the tank a couple tenths of a degree.

Finally, if you make a narrow temp range, your tank temp will remain more stable and the heaters won't have to run as much throughout the day (though they may run more frequently).

[mcgyvr]

Another option is to stagger the set temps for two different heaters. If my tank goes below 77.6, I have both heaters turn ON. Once it is below 77.8, one heater turns ON. The upper set points are also slightly staggered so that one heater doesn't stay ON when it's really no longer necessary. And this way, I don't always need 1,300 W of power draw just to heat the tank a couple tenths of a degree.

Finally, if you make a narrow temp range, your tank temp will remain more stable and the heaters won't have to run as much throughout the day (though they may run more frequently).

Always options in life..
Note: Efficiency will vary with your choices ;)

1000W for one minute vs 500W for 3 minutes,etc...

[McPuff]

Always options in life..
Note: Efficiency will vary with your choices ;)

1000W for one minute vs 500W for 3 minutes,etc...

Indeed! :0)

[steallife904]

im thinking the house being that cold is the issue as well. I don't let mine get under 70. Maybe try to keep it at 70???? But it doesn't seem like an issue, I think when mine comes on it take about 30 or 45 min.

[lapin]

I think it has to do with your tank, stand and house temp. If the tank is glass without a cover or hood and the house is cold it could take a while. I have 2ea JBJ 300W on my 600 and they take 1 hour to heat water .5 degrees F. 78F to 78.5 My tank room is warm so not much heat is lost thru the air. 2 sides of my tank are in that room. My house is at 68F

[Seasidenj]

Alot has to do with what the temperature is in the room the tanks are in