Help on Heaters

[supersmirky]

I have a 150 gallon that I need to replace some antique heaters on...its a tropical tank....I have an XP3 and 2 Emporer 400's for filtration.

Does anyone have any suggestions on the best heating method for this tank? Inline vs in tank? Also, what do I need for wattage?? 300?

[AndrewH]

In-line from what Blake says.

I just got the new Rena Smart Heater for my XP3 @ $46 (300W = $46.99 (http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2752392&cp=2767036.2769132&fbn=Taxonomy%7CHeating&fbc=1&clickid=topnav_dropdown4_link8&parentPage=family&keepsr=1))

[supersmirky]

Did that slow the flow rate any? Have you had even temp throughout your tank?

[biggin]

I am an inline fan. They work great and do not slow the flow from what I can tell.

I thought about the Rena Smart heater...

Is that working for you Andrew?

[AndrewH]

:fw: (<--- for me), I haven't installed it yet :o

[biggin]

:confuzeld::thumbdown:

People are waiting....

Curious minds want to know....

[supersmirky]

I bought the Rena smartfilter.....It looks like it replaces the inlet for your XP3....but on inlines, they go on the outtake.

Wonder which works better. I couldn't find an in-line at Petsmart so my next step will be Just For Pets.

[biggin]

In lines are best ordered online. They are $100 in a LFS I got mine for $35 with $10 shipping.

[supersmirky]

Wow...please tell where. I need to find that website...

The ones I have looked at are no less than 40 something.

[AndrewH]

Here's $39.99 (http://www.aquariumguys.com/ethheater1.html)

They even have the Rena SmartHeaters cheaper than Petsmart.

[rolloffhill]

http://www.dfwfishbox.com/showthread.php?t=299

[supersmirky]

So far so good on the Rena I purchased. It replaced the 3 other heaters I had in my tank, and amazingly enough, it keeps a constant temp in my tank. Thanks for the referral

[fishyjoe24]

2 to 3 watts per a gallon from what i know, unless i'm wrong.

[AndrewH]

Yup Joey that's right, but also it's better to have a little more than a little less so most people use 3-5 watts per gallon. The most wattage you have, the less wear and tear on the heater(s).