What size heater is technically better for a 5 gallon?

[finnfinnfriend]

I know they both work, but which is technically better for a 5 gallon tank? 25 watt or 50 watt? Or is there really no difference? OR is it just a matter of opinion?

[callistra]

25w will bring temp about 10 degrees above room temp. 50w can stabilize more like 15 degrees. It's not so much about size between the two but quality of heaters available at the two sizes. I use 50w because I like the availability of the Jager and Aqueon Pro 50w. 25w the only one I'll touch is the Marineland Visitherm or Jager, which can be hard to find.

[finnfinnfriend]

Yeah I was thinking 50 watt too :)

[Tikibirds]

I have used both 50 and 25 watts in 5g's.The 50 I set at a lower temp then I would for a 25, just in case.
As long as its not a preset one like the tetra heaters. Mine never got above 74 even in a 1G and its a 50 watt heater.

I used to live in Alaska and when its -60 outside, it was like 60 or so in my ghetto apartment. I got most of my heaters via ebay - some are older models and they all worked pretty good but the only one to stay dead on the temp I set it at was the Marineland Neptune. I was kinda heartbroken it broke on the journey to NY :(