just bought an aquarium and bought a heater and don't know if it is working is there any way to figure if it is? it is a marine land stealth heater and is expensive. The heater is put in just the way the directions say so, is there a certain way everything is suppose to go?
2007-09-02 13:18:45 · 11 answers · asked by Alyssa J 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
They sell labels that say the temperature. You can buy them at petco or other pet places.
2007-09-02 13:21:59 · answer #1 · answered by Samantha 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I believe the Stealth heaters have a metal body, so you don't have a light to see go on or off. About the only way to tell for certain is to use a tank thermometer. Check the water temperature of the tank (or other container of water where the heater can be completely submerged and won't melt the container) when the heater is unplugged (normal room temperature), then set the heater to a temperature at least a few degrees above that level and check it again in about 1/2 hour. If the water temperature changes to the new setting, the heater should be working properly. Just be sure when you run this test that the water isn't affected by sunlight (bad idea to have a tank in direct sun for a number of reasons) or your aquarium lights (these can put out heat).
Once you are sure the heater is doing what it should, set it for the temperature your fish should have.
If your room is warm, you may have trouble distinguishing what the heater is doing compared to what the room temperature is contributing, and your room at times may raise the temperature above the heater setting - that's not a problem unless it gets too high, in which case you may want to look at installing a room-sized air conditioner or chiller (expensive$$$) for your tank. So these don't compete with each other, set them for about 5+ degrees apart (the heater should have the lower setting, the chiller/AC the higher one).
2007-09-02 13:50:38 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Testing for proper operation takes time. How much time you or the seller is willing to put into it is up to the individual. Things to consider: a) A heater that turns on may not turn off. b) A heater that turns on may not turn off at the set temperature. (bring a thermometer) c) A heater LED light may turn on, but the heating element may not work. d) A heater may seen OK have been recalled (ie Marineland Stealth) e) If it works fine, why is the owner selling it, instead of keeping it as a spare? f) Is the power cord in good condition and still flexible the top of the heater? g) Can you see any moisture inside the heater body? h) Are there any heat discolorations? (indicates it ran too hot) i) Are there any visible signs of damage to the body or heating element? My suggestions: Don't pay more than 50 cents on the dollar for a used heater that is fully working Don't pay more than 25 cents on the dollar for a used heater that that cannot be confirmed as fully working.
2016-04-03 00:16:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, turn it on. Set it to a higher than water temperature temp.
Then wait a bit. Stick your hand in the tank and move it slowly towards the heater. If you can grab the heater in your hand firmly without noticing it getting hotter then it's probably broken. It usually doesn't get any hotter than very hot water from the tap. You should notice the water getting warmer as your hand gets close to it. If you use very hot water when washing your hands, then you've already felt something hotter than the heater will get.
2007-09-02 14:08:40 · answer #4 · answered by Joe H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do you have a temperature gage on your tank check it to see if the tank water changes or not if not then set the heater to a different setting and check water temp again if that do not change in about in a hour the heater is not set right or is not working try different settings to see if heater is working if that does not work replace heater
2007-09-06 10:42:31 · answer #5 · answered by wolf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use a glass or sticker thermometer to check the temperature, or just feel the water. Just make sure it's ok before you put the fish in!
2007-09-02 13:23:35 · answer #6 · answered by jaden 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a thermometer attached to a suction cup from the pet store and stick it inside your tank. the sticker versions that go outside your tank are not accurate enough to properly watch your tanks temp.
2007-09-06 06:59:08 · answer #7 · answered by daisygurlie78 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
turn the temperature up to the highest level and watch for a light to come on (it might take up to a minute). If it does, the heater works and so turn it down to the correct temperature, if it doesn't, the heater is probably not working.
2007-09-02 13:26:53 · answer #8 · answered by Amanda D 2 · 2⤊ 4⤋
you need to wait a little while till the water warms up it will feel kinda warm if u go to the fish store you could touch the water in there and see if its similar to urs
2007-09-02 13:22:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The eaisiest answer is, go down to your local pet store. They sell themometors that stick on the glass of your tank. Then you can adjust your water to whichever tempature you want.
2007-09-02 13:24:53 · answer #10 · answered by silverspark_ler 1 · 0⤊ 3⤋