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AQUARIUM SYSTEMS HEATER SELECTION GUIDE
Choosing the correct size heater for your aquarium is critical to the well-being of your fish.
BIGGER IS NOT BETTER!
When an oversized heater is used the thermostat will perform many more ‘cycles.’ It will be constantly switching itself on and off in order to maintain the set temperature, and therefore the working life span of the unit may be shortened. As a result, there is a greater risk of a failure, either in the on or off position.
Should a malfunction occur when the heater sticks in the on position, an oversized heater will probably raise the water temperature to a critical level before it is noticed.
A correct sized heater should only increase the water temperature a few degrees, and more gradually, which is usually not fatal for the aquarium fish. |
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CHOOSING THE RIGHT WATTAGE
The table below is based on the aquarium size, and the desired temperature difference between the minimum room temperature and the desired water temperature.
Example:
Minimum room temperature 19°C, aquarium volume 150 litres, water temperature required 24°C.
Formula:
Required temperature (24°C) – room temperature (19°C) = degrees to be increased (5°C) = 100 watt heater.
It is a good practice to check both the heater and the water temperature daily. This can be done while feeding the fish and inspecting the pumps and filters. Proper heater selection and close observation can greatly reduce risks associated with heaters while providing a constant temperature environment for livestock. |
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