I just got a new fish Tank, with heater ( to warm the water). I was wondering how high can I put the water to the heater, can i put the heater fully in the water, or is that too dangerous? Also do u have to keep the heater on at all times?
2007-10-06 16:53:05 · 6 answers · asked by Irish_Girl 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
As long as you keep the top of the heater (the part that isn't glass) ABOVE water, it is fine. Try to keep as much of the glass part of the heater underwater (this will prevent the heat from shattering it. shattering only occurs if a majority of the glass part of the heater is left above water for about 30+ minutes). Keep the nob and all plastic parts of the heater underwater. Always keep the heater on EXCEPT whe you are doing water changes on your tank. When you do water changes, unplug the heater to prevent shattering. Email me if you have any questions.
Soop Nazi
2007-10-06 16:59:12 · answer #1 · answered by nosoop4u246 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Most heaters can be completely submerged. I don't know which one you have, so I can't say for yours. Leave it on all the time, except when doing water changes, as they need to be submerged to a minimum.
Most can have the temperature set to a specific point, i.e. 70° for a "sub-tropical" fish like White Cloud Mountain Minnow. Some are pre-set to 78° which is acceptable for most tropical fish. Make certain your heater is the appropriate size for the tank. About 5-7.5 watts per gallon. For example a 10 needs 50-75 watts. On the other hand, a 20 with only 75 watts will not maintain a constant temperature in most cases. This is particularly true in cold climates in the winter. For example, my home is 68° in the morning during shower time. The rest of the day and when we sleep, it is 62°. In the early evening, we maybe get it to 64° for a few hours. There's no way a 75 will work in my house in a 20 gallon. Even a 100 watt will struggle. A 150 will have no problems at all.
If you put in a heater too powerful, say a 150 in a 10 gallon, if it breaks and gets stuck "on" you will boil your fish to death. Also heaters that are too powerful cycle on and off too frequently, reducing the life of the heater.
2007-10-06 18:23:16 · answer #2 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You will want to keep the heater underwater. Most heaters will have a line right below the plastic piece (the part on top with the temperature control knob). That's where you want your water line to hit.
You will want to keep it on all the time except when doing water changes. You don't want the heater to be running dry. It may cause it to break.
The packaging of your specific heater should tell you exactly how that type is to be used as well. All heaters that I have come across are slightly different.
Don't forget to put a thermometer in your tank as well. That way you can keep an eye on your temp at all times in case your heater malfunctions.
2007-10-06 17:13:36 · answer #3 · answered by galapagos6 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some new heaters are fully submersible does yours say it is ? As for do you keep it on all the time ,it should have a built in thermostat and it will come on and go off automatic. Keep a check on the temp and adjust it according to directions . Don't put any fish in the tank until you get it to stay at 78 to 80 degrees F. for 24 hours, for tropicals. You don't need a heater for goldfish.
2007-10-06 17:13:36 · answer #4 · answered by trkbuilderman 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some heaters you can submerge fully, others stick out. Some heaters turn off at certain temperatures and some are set to timer intervals. Just have to read your heaters manual.
2007-10-06 17:40:05 · answer #5 · answered by Michael Faust 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
aquarium heater are fully submersible and are meant to be used that way.its best placed at an angle in the tank as the thermostat is situated at the top of the heater and will therefore turn itself on and off.
2007-10-10 09:41:07 · answer #6 · answered by not today thanks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋