Help with Heaters

[SarahCdnNanny]

So I've got the tank 2/3rds full of water... its lacking substrate and a filter, but I threw a thermometer in there, a couple tbsp of ammonia and was hoping to put the heater on to test it out.... but the suction cup dealy broke.... so I'll get a new one.... but just wondering....

If it doesn't work... what heater would you recommend for a 20 gal long?

Can it completely go in the tank? (I saw a pic on here where someone had it at the bottom of the tank, meaning the top of the heater and the cord was all the way under the water) I didn't think it was supposed to go under the "Water Level" mark on it.

Anything to know about heaters? I'd like to have some ADF's and maybe gouramins or guppies, a school of neons or something like that (not sure yet) but maybe angel fish, or clown loaches... just not sure

tia!

Sarah

 

[Lotus]

A 100 watt heater should be perfect for a 20g tank. If you get a submersible heater, you can put it completely under the water, but check the box/instructions. If you're in Canada, I don't think any are "rated" as fully submersible.

It's well worth spending a little extra for a quality heater. The cheap ones tend to stop working, and either freeze or boil your fish... not a good thing. The Ebo-Jager brand is good (but not as good as it used to be), I also like the Stealth Heaters (can't remember the brand).

By the way, clown loaches aren't suitable for a 20g tank. Angels probably won't be too happy in a long tank as they tend to get pretty "tall" with their fins.

 

[revfred]

I can second Lotus' suggestions for a heater. 5 Watts/Gallon is a good "Rule of Thumb". I can also tell you one to stay away from ... the "THEO" heater. Looks nice, submersible, good construction, with 1 degree clicks on the dial ... but the calibration between the "clicks" and the actual temp is waaaaaaaaaaay off.

Personally I like submersibles because you don't have to worry about low water levels either from evaporation or water changes ... especially if you place it horizontally in the bottom of the tank.