Aquarium heater light is on but temp does not match can cold weather we are having in london effect this?

Question

I have noticed in the last 3-4 days that aquarium heater temperature is not matching with the thermometer. could this be due to our cold weather. heating does run in the building when its cold for us humans. I notice the orange light is on but the temperature in 3-5 degrees lower then it should be. It does seem similar to room temperature at times. And as the heater light is on it just seems its trying to heat up. but water does feel colder then normal - also i dont seem to feel that the heater is hot (i should be able to feel this on touch) or does this get only slightly hot. uvlight is also present.
or
- Aquastar plus tank 54 litre (12 gallons) 60x30x30cm (24x12x12inch)

- Eheim internal filter 2007

- Jager heater 50 w

- Repti-Glo reptile light - gives out UVA+UVB

Answer 1

It's very likely your weather. Your heater is slightly undersized for your tank (5 watts per gallon should make it a 60W heater, but a 50 is close), but if you have to heat the water more than 10 degrees above the room temperature, it's adviseable to get the next larger size (75W).

Having the heater setting and thermometer being a few degrees different isn't unexpected, especially if they're on opposite sides of the tank. The heater will run until it's internal sensor indicates that the water is the "set" temperature, but on the opposite side, it may not have reached that temperature yet, or the temperature is influenced by room temperature on the glass. It can also make a difference if you're using a glass or digital thermomerter inside the tank (more accurate) or a stick-on thermometer outside the tank (less accurate).

Answer 2

the heater is not going to be hot by the touch, if the light is on that means the heater is running. i did notice with thermostats on heaters are almost never correct on temp just set it a bit higher and you should be ok.

Answer 3

.Your room temperature could be higher than that of your tank.?21.c.-23c. 75F +.

This would affect your tank thermostat!

The U.V. light will have no effect on the heat of your tank,as it is the Ultra violet waves that are the benefit.

I f worried try a household thermometer and see what that registers

Then increase setting on your thermostat if required

Answer 4

test tank with alternative thermometer, if water colder, get new heater urgently

Answer 5

light the match first a put it to the candle and put that to the oil lamp and then to the oil heater