8) I know many who are successful w/ just 1 heater & good circulation. I prefer to split the difference w/ 2 because of efficiency & safety. The heat will be more evenly distributed throughout the tank (especially long tanks). In the event of failure (on or off) you gain an advantage of time before temp. reaches critical (+ or -). This extra time could be the difference between life & death depending on your fishes sensitivity to temp. A temp. controller is another aid in safe temp. distribution.
As to the heater itself, choices are many. The VisiTherm Stealth by Aquarium Systems seems to be the most popular on this & a few other sites but there are others. Some choose the in-line ETH models from Hydor or Ebo-Jager (now Jager made by Eheim). My choice a few yrs. back (& still working) was Rena Cal Excel by A/P. The model has since been replaced by the Rena SmartHeater which can be used in-line w/ Rena filters or stand alone. (I believe Foster & Smith has Excel clearance sale). There are still others that members will swear by (too many to list). Bottom line is a stable temp. is necessary for tropical fish to thrive in most closed systems. The choice & set-up will vary from aquarist to aquarist depending on tank size, inhabitants & region. "T"
:dancing: :thumb: BTW Welcome to CF & good luck, "T"
As to the heater itself, choices are many. The VisiTherm Stealth by Aquarium Systems seems to be the most popular on this & a few other sites but there are others. Some choose the in-line ETH models from Hydor or Ebo-Jager (now Jager made by Eheim). My choice a few yrs. back (& still working) was Rena Cal Excel by A/P. The model has since been replaced by the Rena SmartHeater which can be used in-line w/ Rena filters or stand alone. (I believe Foster & Smith has Excel clearance sale). There are still others that members will swear by (too many to list). Bottom line is a stable temp. is necessary for tropical fish to thrive in most closed systems. The choice & set-up will vary from aquarist to aquarist depending on tank size, inhabitants & region. "T"
:dancing: :thumb: BTW Welcome to CF & good luck, "T"
