What size heater do I need for a 55 gallon fish tank aquarium?

Answer by  sooz (644)

A 55 gallon aquarium is going to need a heater that is approximately 200 watts. Anything smaller won't do the job and anything too big is going to make your tank much too warm.

Answer by  kirbyd (117)

A 200 watt heater would work fine if you buy a good one that will shut off once the temperature is reached. However, I find it better to buy 2 200 watt heaters that automatically shut off and leave them in there, just in case of the event where one breaks. The other will still work.

Answer by  Bugturk (97)

That depends on where your tank is, and what lives in it! I used a 9" heater in a 55G tank in a cool, shaded room; that tank was full of colder-water fish (bluegills). I needed an 11" heater to keep a 30G tall aquarium warm enough for tropical fish.

Answer by  lkremenak (39)

A 55 gallon fish tank has about 625 pounds of water in it, and requires a heater than can heat that much water.

Answer by  brittini (10)

A good idea would be to place a 200 watt heater on each end of the tank. Using two the heat can be dispersed evenly.

Answer by  sharonl (250)

The rule is 5 watts per gallon on smaller tanks, and 3 watts per gallon on larger tanks. I see 200 watt heaters being sold with 55 gallon kits.

Answer by  Tara (45)

Use 300 watts to heat a 55 gallon aquarium. Since this tank is long, buy two 150 watt heaters for each side. The heaters will last longer because they don't have to work as hard to maintain water temperature, saving money in the long term.

Answer by  ladybud (1069)

you will need a heater with capacity to heat 15-100 gallon. Most tank Heaters in store's will not have a gallon size. instructions watch the tanks temperature and set accordingly.