why is my heater doing this?

Question

i bought this new heater for my betta, and i set it to the right temp for him, but then it kept getting colder, so i turned it up, and it got way too hot! it wont stay a constant temp.

i dont think i can now that its used

theres what they call a pilot light in it, and it goes off and on, could that be it?

oh and this one didnt have a thermostat, i bought a seperate one

um its only a couple days old "frank"

Answer 1

You most likely have a Non-Pre-set also called an automatic heater.
Many aquarists are not aware that these less expensive heaters more basic design as compared to true pre-set/thermostatic Heaters such as the Via Aqua, Tronic, Ebo Jager, ect.

These heater essentially have two contacts that are tightened when you turn up the heater setting, when the temperature of these contacts gets to hot they break contact and turn off the heater. This is not a true thermostat and these heaters will not adjust well to changes in room ambient temperature like a true Pre-Set Heater.

You need to make VERY fine adjustments with these heaters and also you need to adjust between Winter/Summer. Make adjustments of know more than 1/8 turn at a time and then wait a few hours.

Please read this article which explains this subject in more depth:
http://aquarium-answers.blogspot.com/2007/01/aquarium-heaters-preset-vs-non-preset.html

:~) C

EDIT:

The light simply indicates that the heater is on.
I did not think the heater was used, you have an automatic heater that is very sensitive to adjustments, very typical for this type of heater. You either need a better thermostatic heater (such as the Ebo Jager, Via Aqua, ect), or make the very fine adjustments required.
Please read the link above, this will help.

I hope this helps more

:~) C

Answer 2

There are two things that could be happening. The first is that the heater won't stay on all the time because then it would constantly be heating the water. Instead it turns on and off at certain temperatures, thus keeping the tank at a semi-constant temp. The other thing is that the temperature gauge in the heater is faulty. If this is the case, bring the heater back to the store and trade it in for a new one.

Answer 3

The heater matrix is a small warmth exchanger linked to the engine's cooling gadget. warm water passes in the direction of the matrix and air passing over it incredibly is heated. The cabin controls assist you recieve warm air from the heater, chilly air quickly from exterior the vehicle or a blend of the two. The heater matrix is commonly the optimal think approximately the cooling gadget, so in case you in basic terms get chilly air this is nicely worth checking your coolant point. The matrix may additionally grow to be blocked and by way of this occasion it demands flushing out to do away with the blockage.

Answer 4

It may be bad and though it used, you can take it back and tell the store it not working right and just exchange it for another.
Now, one thing, be sure you not turning it up too much. Just try a small amount of turn maybe an 1/8 and wait a few hours to let it settle. Then you may need to turn it down 1/16? This the only other thing it may be if it working properly.

Answer 5

I wouldn't risk overheating the fish or freezing him. So I would just go out and buy another one.... either that or return it. It might also be the brand...

Answer 6

Those things have thermostats, sounds like you bought a faulty one, take it back for a refund or a new one.

Answer 7

return it to the store and get a new one.

Answer 8

HELLO
ITS BROKEN
DOESN;'T WORK
GARBAGE
****.
BEST
FRANK