Heating a discus tank

Hi Everyone,

I am in the process of setting up a planted, display Discus tank in my main living room at home. The tank is 60" x 24" x 18" and be built into a wooden cabinet with sliding glass cover plates and a wooden hood and will contain 425 Litres of water but that figure will be reduced slightly by displacement due to decor (rocks and wood).

My question is, if I wish to maintain a water temperature of 82/83°F (28.5°C), what total wattage of heating would fellow hobbyists suggest I use?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

Paul

Hi Paul,
Thats about 110 gal here..a general rule of thumb is 3-5 watts per gal for a fishtank heater. If it doesnt get too cold where you are you could probably get by with 3 watts.. 5 watt is good otherwise...

I use 500 watts in my 125 gal tanks... but in the summer 300 watts works well for me.


Getting an external controller is a good idea if you can. Several people here use Inkbird controllers.
Hope that helps,
Al

Hey I’ve got that tank:D! Attachment 136911. I use 2 300w heaters both on an ink-bird controller. 1 in tank 1 in sump.

I have in tank 500 watts and 1 200 watts in sump.

For my 125-gallon discus tank currently using these heaters: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NBB99ZC...t_details&th=1
and this heater in my sump: https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/titan...ef-supply.html
Also, have this heater on controller: https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Tempe...ts%2C97&sr=1-5

In my 110 gal. I had two 300 watt Hydro heaters. One set for 84 degrees and the other for a back set at about 81 degrees. The one set at 81 degrees never came on so one 300 watt was enough to keep it warm at 83-84F.
PS. these heaters will go to 90 degrees F.