Best Heater for a 6 Gallon Nano?

FishFixation

FishFixation

AC Members
Dec 25, 2009
86
0
0
Utah
Real Name
Christine
I will soon be setting up a 6 gallon planted nano tank, but I need to get a heater for it. I understand that 25W is probably the right size for a 6gal tank (...or could I do 50W?). However, I haven't read great things about any of the brands that make 25 watt heaters (Elite, Hydor, Marineland, etc.) - they all have a reputation for breaking and cooking fish. :( Not cool. (har har har... sorry.) Those of you who have nano tanks, what brand (and wattage) do you recommend?

I've read the best reviews about Jager heaters, but their smallest is a 50W 9" monster that might not fit nicely in a nano tank...

Thoughts?

Thanks!
 
For nanos I like the eclipse heaters. They are small, black and encased in plastic so they hide well and are fully submersible. I have seen them at Petco and maybe petsmart. I would just get the 25 watt since it is easier to hide unless you keep your house colder than 68.
 
I've never heard of eclipse heaters... Do you mean the little preset ones made by Marineland?

Ok, so I used an online aquarium heater calculator thing and it told me that I need probably ~30 watts to keep my aquarium temperature stable (since the house can get down around 60 during the day in the winter), so I ordered the 50W Hydor Theo heater for my tank. It should be arriving today, but now I'm having misgivings. I know the rule of thumb is 3-5 watts per gallon, and I'm blowing that "out of the water" by going with 50W for a 6 gallon tank. Is it dangerous to have a heater this strong in a tank this small, or will it be okay? I'd rather not pay return shipping on it, but I'll do it, if it's the right thing to do.

Will the 50W heater work, or should I return it and get a 25W?
 
you should be ok. There is a risk with every heater. I had a 50w in a 2.5 once because its what I had on hand.
 
I use a 50watt Marineland in my 6gal, been working for just fine for almost 7yrs.
 
Ok thanks. I've had it running for less than 24 hours, set at 74, and the thermometer says the tank is 80. :headshake2: I'll turn it down some more and hope I can make it work.
 
I use a 50 watt, pre set heater in my 5. I used it in a 10 previously, and never had a problem either time.
 
I use a Hydor 25w heater with a thermostat in my 5g shrimp tank. Small and works perfectly.
 
Those of you who have used oversized heaters in small tanks, did they tend to run hot? This one is keeping the tank a full six degrees warmer than I have it set for... is that normal, or did I get a defective unit?
 
the numbers on the heaters are not always accurate because there are several factors that go into how well the heater will actually heat the water such as the dimensions of the tank, water flow, lights over the tank ect.. It's usually best to have a thermometer that you can watch and adjust the heater until you get it calibrated just right for your tank.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom