Using a larger heater to heat a small tank

[xShainax]

Is it bad to use a larger heater to heat a smaller tank? Ex: a heater for a 29 in a 6.6.

[MrVampire181]

Well.... if you're into betta soup I guess it's fine.

Joking aside, yes its bad. A 29 gallon heater, round to 30, multiply by 5, = 150 watts. A 6.6 should only have, a 25 watt since there are no heaters on the market to fit it exactly.

[xShainax]

I have ordered a few 20 W and should be getting them in a few days

[Mo]

I agree with Mr. vampire.... To some extent. While he is right about a heater meant for 29 gallons (150-200 watts) shouldn't be used for a smaller tank around 5 gallons (25 watts) as it will heat the tank up too Much and be hard to maintain a sable temperature. in other cases it CAN be okay. You could use a 50 watt heater for a 5 gallon which is normally 25 watts. Or a 100 watt heater for a 10 gallon

[Olympia]

Funny. Sakura told me it'd be fine to use my 30 gallon heater in a 6 gallon tub. Never ended up needing to but she said she's done it. o.o
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[Mo]

I don't think it's something that's recommended... While it can be done successfully. If not maintained right. Bad stuff can happen. It can heat the tank very high and fast. Just watch out and maintain temperature. I have used a 100 watt in a spawning tank which held about 3-4 gallons of water and I've used a 50 watt in a 1 gallon

[MrVampire181]

You can do it, but if the heater malfunctions you're in trouble.

[xShainax]

I have it on low and I moniter the water temp

[Olympia]

But why would it malfunction? Is it common?
I had a properly sized heater and it malfunctioned and heated the way to 90F within a few hours, it really doesn't make a difference once it goes.

[Hallyx]

There is a way to design a heater that, when it malfunctions, turns itself OFF. Any company that does not take this reasonable precaution is irresponsible and ought to be sued.