heater question

Does running a higher wattage heater for a shorter amount of time, or a smaller wattage heater for a longer time use less energy in the long run? For some reason I pulled my heater out today and realized it is only a 350watt on a 250gal system. I bought someones complete system, and thats what came with it. Tank temp maintains at about 80 with no issues, but I have a feeling that heater probably never shuts off at that wattage. Thoughts?

 

Hmm interesting question that I do not know the answer to.

Ambient room temp is going to play a huge role. I know Yuma and I doubt your heater is having to do a lot of catch up. You probably keep your thermostat in the mid 70's. Water is a great insulator.

 

Room temp in winter I try and keep in the mid 70's, during the summer it sits at 78-80. I know it runs during the winter, just curious if I would be money ahead getting a bigger heater?

 

It depends on how long it actually runs against how long a higher wattage heater would actually run. Then Math .

 

It is probably a good idea to get a second heater any way. You can set the second for 1 degree cooler than the first so that it functions as a back up in case the first one dies.

 

I have 2 in my sump. I think due to my sump being remote my water cools quite a bit while traveling to my sump. The one is kinda crappy and keeps the temp within range and the good one with a temp probe and digital display keeps the temp exactly where I want it. It may be overkill but if one stops working my tank doesn't drop temp.