[Danibunkins]

So one of the things I haven't gotten yet is a heater. I know living in Maine, we definitely need one, especially for the winter.

Right now, the betta is being moved in to a 5g tank. We are probably going to put a couple tetras in with him for company and tank ecology.

Inevitably, I feel like we will be going larger, and getting a 10g tank at some point.

My question is really this ...

Should I get the 50w heater that the low end rating is for 5g tanks and the high end is 14g.

Or should I get a 25w with a 2g-7g rating?

They are the same brand heater, adjustable, and fully submersible.

Thoughts?

 

[LittleWatty]

I've read that you need at least 10w per gallon, so you'd need the 50w for a 5 gallon. I could be wrong though, so don't quote me on that!

 

[Bombalurina]

My first thought is, son't get tetras until you have a bigger tank. The 5 gallon will struggle to cope with the bioload, tetras aren't happy if they aren't in schools (at least 6), stressed tetras are nippy, and a 5 gallon doesn't provide the space for the two species to co-exist peacefully. Wait til you have at least a 10 gal.

The minimum is 4-5 watts per gallon for a heater, so a 25watt is fine for a 5 gallon. A 50w would also do the job, however, and would work in a ten gallon too. I would definitely suggest spending out to get a good quality adjustable heater. You can't go wrong with either. I use a 25watt in my 5 gallons no problem, but others use 50w no problem either.

 

[Hallyx]

I found that my 25W just barely kept up in my 5gal (+/- 1* variation) during the winter when the room temperature varied a bit.

The 50W kept the temps more stable. Heck, it's only a few bucks more.

 

[Danibunkins]

Thanks for the tips guys. Much appreciated! I think we'll just get the 50w and call it good!

 

[Fluval]

I've read that you need at least 10w per gallon, so you'd need the 50w for a 5 gallon. I could be wrong though, so don't quote me on that!

That is false. It is 5 watts per gallon.