Heater for 50 Gal

[madhippoz]

I'm in the process of buying all my supplies for my new 50 Gal tank. How much wattage do I need on a heater for that size of tank. I'm going Ebo-Jaber all the way, just need to know how many watts, 125?

 

[SoulFish]

id say 150-200 watt or 2 100 watt (one breaks still got a backup running)

i keep a 150 on my 55gal

 

[madhippoz]

Ok cool. I'm also swapping out the default Fluval with an Eheim. My other question is obviously the hood is a tad under-watted as far as any plants might go, I can't remember the exact wattage of the bulb on the normal starter kit hood, but it sucks. I'm working at constructing my own. The tank is 36" wide so I can put a 3 foot fluorescent strip across that will take a 30 watt dayglo bulb. Multiple by 3 strips and that is still only 90 watts, how do most people make their own hoods with sufficient lighting?

 

[sinasster]

considering your cold climate, i would go with the 200 watts. or even the 250 watt, or like soulfish said... 2x 100 watts

as for the lighting look to the salt water guys, get a HO or VHO set up. a little more costly but hey thats what you gotta do

 

[1979camaro]

you can also use screw in flourescents (the spiraly ones) if you are making our own...should be able to get a socket setup for that...I just did that today in my 29gal...if you want more info I will re-post or you can e-mail me...there was a link to a site about it, but the site is down

Kevin

 

[madhippoz]

Ok I've decided on the 2 100watt Ebo-Jaber plan. I've heard of VHO but wasn't sure if that what most people used on their Freshwater/Brackish tanks or not. I'll have to price it out.

Camaro I'll give you an shout on email, maybe you can explain the screw in flourescent more to me.

 

[madhippoz]

Heheh ok ok, due to an unexpected Income Tax problem in my favour I have an increased amount of funds. I'm looking at a 77gallon tank now instead of a 50. So I'm switching to 2 150watt ebo-jagers instead of 100watt, and can switch to 4 foot wide fluorescent instead of 3 foot wide. I'm going the DIY pop bottle CO2 route with a bleed valve (don't want any bottle explosions on me ). Just an overall update for Ya'll.

 

[sinasster]

good luck! keep us posted