Ceramic Heat Emitter Wattage?

[missi182]

The temperature is dropping here in Ontario and its time to figure out how to keep my 40 gallon warmer. Of course I have my UTH set for 90 on a thermostat, but my 75 watt black light is just not cutting it on the cooler side. Right now the average temp on that side is dropping to a low of 78 and it will continue to drop.

I am in a basement apartment that is quite cool and the heating ducts are being re-directed to keep the room warmer but I want to be prepared.

So - the question is, what wattage ceramic heat emitter do you think I would need? My lamp is well rated for use with ceramic coils but I have never used them. Are CHE O.K on a dimmer? (which is what i currently use with the 75 watt black bulb)

Thanks for any tips!!

[uafgrad]

I am using a 100W on a 20L and it brought the ambient temp of the tank up about 10F

If you are only worried about the cool end, then a 60 or 100W would probably do the trick just fine

[missi182]

I am using a 100W on a 20L and it brought the ambient temp of the tank up about 10F

If you are only worried about the cool end, then a 60 or 100W would probably do the trick just fine

Is the wattage to heat ratio the same as a bulb? If so I would think I need at least 100 watts, if the dimmer is o.k to use with the CHE (which I do not know yet) then I can simply turn it down if it is too much.

[ev477]

I don't see any reason why a dimmer wouldn't be ok to use with a CHE, dimmers are commercially for lighting aren't they? and a CHE goes into the same socket as a light bulb, it should act the same as one, just emitting rays on a different spectrum or something