Equipment Review and Discussion :: Heater for 125 gallon glass aquarium

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Post Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:27 pm   Heater for 125 gallon glass aquarium

I'm one to search before posting, but I had no success after multiple tries. If there is a pre-existing post on this topic please point me in that direction.

I'm getting a 125 gallon aquarium tomorrow that I found for a great deal. The only thing I'll need to update immediately is my water heater.

Most of the heaters I've found are for up to 90 gallons MAX. I have seen folks here say they use the visi-therm heaters for their durability. Regardless of manufacturer, should I just get an additional heater to support my current 100w heater? Does anyone know of a single heater that would work well with a tank my size?

Thanks.
-Chris
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Post Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:31 pm   

go with 2 heaters instead of one. with 2 the heat can be dispersed through the tank more even than with one.
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Post Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2009 10:37 pm   

thats what i was thinking. that also creates a safety net just in the case one decides to fail on me.

thanks, pal.

I'll finally be able to let my FX5 loose with this new tank, i'm excited.
-Chris
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 10:15 am   

As long as your room is not exceptionally cold (lower than 65 degrees), the rule is 3-5W of heater per gallon. For a 125 gallon tank completely filled, you would need 375-625W of heater to keep the temperature. If your room is warmer, you can probably get away with the 375W amount. Obviously both of these will need multiple heaters, rather than one. I would suggest putting them at opposite ends of the tank for maximum effect. I would say put your current one on the side away from the filter output, and buy the biggest water heater you can and put it on the side near the filter output. Turn them both on and see what happens. It's possible you'll need to replace your existing one with a larger one, but I wouldn't until you've tried it out. Congrats on the 125 gallon!
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 12:29 pm   

my hydor theo 500w i think keeps my 125 gal at 78 degrees
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:33 pm   

I'd get another extra one :) It's very handy after a water change, and it takes awhile to heat up a 125 gallon tank, even one that is half full.
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Post Posted: Fri Apr 03, 2009 5:36 pm   

titanium heater by catalina ca

ebay it up

great price for a great product
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Post Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 12:10 pm   

I only have to use a 200w heater for my 120 gallon... and it is set to the lowest setting. I probably could have kept my 100w heater in there and just turned it up.
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Post Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 1:19 pm   

thanks, everybody!

meltedspork, how warm is your room generally?
-Chris
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Post Posted: Sat Apr 04, 2009 5:59 pm   

papoopeepoo wrote:thanks, everybody!

meltedspork, how warm is your room generally?


Anywhere from 67-70 degrees... 67 at night and 70 during the day. I actually don't even use a heater for my aquatic frog tank and it says right around 70 all the time. That is too cold for a turtle, but perfect for the frogs.
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Post Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2009 6:09 pm   

My suggestion is two 250watts. If one goes out the second will have to work a little harder but will keep up unless you have your tank in a cold place. If the temp drops a great deal the two will come on, if at normal temp the one 250 will do fine. M.
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Post Posted: Mon Apr 06, 2009 12:14 pm   

I picked up a 300 watt yesterday. After 20 hours it has my 90 gallons worth of water at a steady 75.9 degrees. Im shooting for 77, so it's not too far off. After I cycle the tank, add real and fake plants, basking light, and plant lights, I'll add the 100 watt heater I have from before and I'll think I'll be set.

Both heaters are pretty new and seem durable so I'm hoping to be fine for a while. A tank this size has so many possibilities, it's so fun.

Thanks again.
-Chris
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Post Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 12:26 am   Re: Heater for 125 gallon glass aquarium

Sorry to resurrect an old post but I just purchased an 80 gal tank and I bought a fluval water heater (300 watts) Nothing is set up yet since I'm still waiting for the filter to arrive etc. but is the one heater enough? I know some people use two heaters and some just one. What's everyone's take? also anyone have any reviews on the fluval heaters???
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Post Posted: Fri Jul 12, 2013 4:41 pm   Re: Heater for 125 gallon glass aquarium

I don't know much about their heaters, but the wattage is fine.
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