Heater for 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium

[SlyFox]

For a 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium for discus, I'd like to know which heater setup would be best. Would two 300 watt heaters be overkill or would one 200 watt and one 250 watt heater be more suitable. I've also heard that higher temperatures are better for discus, but is it safe to keep the temperature at a constant 30 plus Celsius.

[bowsar]

Re: Heater for 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium

I've got a smaller tank, 75 gallons compared to your 150, and I'm running two 300 watt heaters. Our house gets pretty chilly in winter, around 62*F, so I need to maintain a 85*F tank temperature - that's a 23 degree difference. I also like having the extra capacity to push it to 93*F if needed for treatments.

Hiding the heaters is my main issue, they're pretty ugly. If you have a sump, you might have more options for concealment. I'd recommend considering a secondary temperature controller, like my Inkbird, for better control and overtemperature protection.

[Limey]

Re: Heater for 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium

I'm running a 120 with a combo of 2x150w and 1x300W. We keep our house in the mid-60s during winter.

[bajil]

Re: Heater for 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium

I've had good luck with this particular heater on my own 125-gallon discus tank - it maintains a steady temperature of 82F. Worth taking a look: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NBB99ZC

[novaby]

Re: Heater for 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium

I run a similar setup in my tank, same size as yours. Two 300w heaters, both connected to an Inkbird temp controller for precise control. I also keep an extra 300w on standby, just in case I need to bump up the temperature past 86 degrees F.

[lunar]

Re: Heater for 5x2x2 feet barebottom aquarium

Hygger's got some solid heaters out there. I've used similar ones in my larger setups. My 180's got a 500w in the tank and a 300w in the sump - keeps it at a steady 84.