Oversized Heater causing Temp fluctuations in 10g QT?

[burtbollinger]

I was using a 100w Eheim heater to test in a 10g QT tank I have set up.

 

Was going to hook it to an Inkbird temp controller (in transit) to attempt to control temp at 79.

 

It seems like without the controller, the temp fluctuates from 79.5 up to 81. as-is. Is this because the heater is too big for the tank?

 

Would the Inkbird temp controller help with this or do I need a smaller heater sized for this aquarium?

 

Not adding the fish until I get this sorted.

 

As-is, this is too big of a temp. shift, correct?

[natalia_la_loca]

That is a really minor fluctuation IMO. My reefbowl fluctuates up to 4 degrees daily when it's really hot or cold outside. No ill effects on corals.

 

The temp controller might reduce your fluctuation by one degree. In any case, it's a good safeguard in case the thermostat on your heater fails.

[burtbollinger]

The only thing in the tank will be a royal gramma for 6 weeks.

[dandelion]

Problem with oversized heater is it may reheat it up too fast. Other than extreme temperature, It's the rate of change of temperature that causes issues IMO.

 

Having a controller would fix the issue until you get a power outage and temperature dropped to say 70° and then it gets heated back up to 78° in say 10 minutes.

 

The only thing in the tank will be a royal gramma for 6 weeks.