is there a way to adjust aquarium heater?

Question

my temp seems to cut off at around 80- 82 degrees and i'd like to have it set to 78-80. i dont know what kind it is but its a tube with a rubber thing sticking out the top which seems to do nothing.

Answer 1

They basically all look like that. Some have the actually temp settings, and most (which I think is like yours?) have the low high setting. If it is not going down any when you turn the top thing down, then it may be broken and you may need a new heater. Depending how long ago you bought it, you may be able to exchange it or return it.

Answer 2

If there's a rubber knob on the top, this should be your adjustment. Try turning it each way about a quarter to a half of a turn and see if the light on the heater goes out (turns off) - make sure it's plugged in first ! This will be the direction to decrease the temp. Most adjustable heaters should give you temp options from the low 70s through the 80s.

If this doesn't solve your problem, take the heater & your receipt back to the store where you purchased it for a replacement.

Answer 3

sounds like it's a pre-set submersible heater. If the little rubber knob on top won't move, then no, you can't adjust it. Make sure it is the correct wattage for your tank. 5 Watts per gallon (a ten gallon would need 50 watts for example). When the light on the heater turns on, then it is working. It's called a pilot light. It only turns on when the heater reads that the water temp is lower than what it is set at. Pre-set thermal heater are set to 75-78 degresss. If your pilot light is on at 80 degrees, then the heater is malfunctioning and I would invest it something that has a knob on top that you set yourself.

Warning! always unplug your heater and wait ten minutes or more before removing it from the water. If hot glass meets cold air, the heater will shatter.