Need Heater Advice

[Snookie]

My new setup is a 120g with a 100g sump in a cold basement (55 degrees+-). What is the rule for watts of heater per gallon? I have 2 250w titanium heaters and I'm not sure it's gonna be enough. With rocks and sand, etc. I probably have close to 200 gallons of water in this setup. :confused:

[James7773]

I think that your 500 watts of heat should be sufficient. How as your temp been in the main tank? Stable? If your really concerned, one more 250w wont hurt anything, and if one of the others failed, youd have a backup.
As far as the "rule" i guess 3-4 watts per gallon, but I feel this is swayed depending on tmep conditions around the tank, and how much heat is produced from your lights. JMHO

[Snookie]

I just wasn't getting enough heat on my Won's. I have one in the tank for now and I turned it up and this morning I had 80 degrees. :smokin: Maybe I can get by with 2 in the sump. ;)

[aquaman67]

You could get some of that poster board that has a thin 3/8" layer of foam between the sheets of paper and insulate your sump. I'd make a top for it too, if you don't already. That will help you from loosing heat...

[Snookie]

I might have plenty of heat after all. I might just need to get things adjusted properly before any livestock goes in. I will continue to monitor it.

[MalHavoc]

Keep in mind that things like pumps and lights also contribute to tank temperature. I specifically chose a Velocity T4 for my sump return because of how warm it runs.

You can always add a third heater, if need be. They aren't all that expensive.