to small heater?

Guys thanks for this awsome website! I'm pretty new to the tropical aquarium idea but loving it. i have a 3ft tank but only a 50W heater. Is that to small? my temp is constant at about 27-28 degrees but i do not think that it will stay that way in winter. and can does anyone know places in Cape Town where i can find all that i need for my aquarium. thanx for all the great advice!

 

Hi Schalk!

I would use a 100watt heater for that sized tank! I'm guessing its gonna be in the region of 100L, so that should then be sufficient. As you noted, your 50w may well be keeping your temp regulated at the moment, but I fear it will not do so well in the winter! It will heat your water, but its whether it is stable is more the question!

As for where to get your stuff, we are not really allowed to give addresses, but there are three places I use depending on what it is I'm after! If I want equipment I either go to Tropicum or Panarama as I have found them to be cheapest, or I go to Sams if I need something I can't get elsewhere.

As for fish, I used to go to Sams the most, but as of late, I've been getting most of my fish from Panarama. Again Tropicum is the cheapest, but you have to be very careful about their fish! Only take the healtthiest!

We also have the sponsors here on the forum who are able to source things for you, so sometimes its best to check with them first?

Hope that helps a little??
Cheers
Big G

 

Big G, thanx again found some great advice from the experts! i know about sams, found it on my GPS and i will def look in2 that other two! that realy did help alot!

 

Just be careful with Sams! He'll try and sell you a load of other things you don't need!

You may also want to try Fish n things, as she has some decent quality fish, but a very limited supply! Expensive tho!

Cheers
G!

 

Related to this question:
Is there ever a time when you can have too big a heater for a tank?
If we take the example of a 3ft tank, if I had to use a 300W heater, would that not theoretically mean that I would have minimal fluctuations in the temp of the water less than for example with a 200W or 150W?

 

that's a good point Darryn, but from what i've read the general rule of thumb is for every 40l / 50watts of heat is needed, this has served well over time, otherwise it would not be a guideline so to speak...just my thought...

 

Hi There

My new heating system, natural daily temp of 45-47 deg under the shade outside , inside room temp ave 33-37 deg, 30 deg during the night, easy i get a ave tank temp of 33 deg. no heater running on this stage, i call it the Namakwaland Heater, it's for FREE.- LOL

 

Problem with the namakwaland heater is that it don't work too well in the winter?!