Is it safe if I put a water heater into a bucket were my fishes are?

Question

Is it safe if I put a water heater into a bucket were my fishes are?

The tank sprung a leak so we moved everyone into a plastic bucket.

Would it be a problem if I put the aquarium heater into the bucket?

I am doing this now....but wondering if I should pull it out before a fire starts or something.

A prompt reply would be great!!

Thanks

How long could I keep this up? A week?

They've been with the heater for about 10 mins now

I have the heater at least an inch away all the way around AWAY from the plastic.

Could that still melt?

Answer 1

If you have tropical or marine fish I think it's more important to have the heater in there. If they're coldwater I wouldn't bother.

If your heater has a thermostat, it'll be fine. If the temperatures gonna get hot enough to melt the plastic you'd have a hell of a lot dead fish and the bucket will be your last worry.

I definitely think it's a great idea until the morning or the nearest possible opportunity to get a tank, even if it's smaller than they really should have they do need the stability of the tank.

Answer 2

No sweat. The thermostat on the heater (as long as it's not one of those pre-set heaters) will only come on to maintain the water temp that you had in the tank. Since the plastic bucket will not leak heat like glass does, you will find that the heater will not come on as frequently. Aquarium heaters do not get hot enough to melt plastic. If they did, you'd have boiled fish anyways. So they can stay in there as if it was their aquarium. The thing to be concerned about is if you put your aquarium light over the bucket. Because of the plastic not being able to release the heat effectively, your water may get too hot. Also, if you have an incandescent bulb, it needs a couple of inches of space to release it's heat, and that is hot enough to melt plastic and can be a fire hazard.

Answer 3

I wouldn't, it might heat the water up too much and cook your fish. Not to mention, if it hits anywhere on the plastic part of the bucket, it may melt the plastic making it weaker-causing that to leak as well. I don't know what kinds of fish you have, or how long you'll have them in the bucket-hopefully not too long, few hours I'm guessing? They should be fine for that amount of time. I doubt the water temp will drop that quickly.

Another thing you should do if you haven't, try to keep the filter materials-filter pads or anything else you have in it, keep those wet to preserve the bacteria on them.

EDIT: I'd get them into a tank as soon as you can. Even if you have to buy a basic 10 gallon tank for 10.00 at the store, it's better then a bucket. Plus, you could add the heater on the tank as well as your filter.

Answer 4

before the heater melts the plastic, all the water would have evaporated, depending on what plastic your pail is made of, the palstic starts to soften at around 150degreesC way past the boiling point of water.. and if the plastic doesnt release the heat, good, your power bills go down because the thermostat will shut off the heater when the water reaches a pre-set temperature, i use a pail all the time as emergency hatchery or hospital tank. specially hospital tank. i dont want to discolor the sealant in my aquarium because of the medication and i dont want to medicate a hundred gallons of water to medicate a few fish. just to remember to agitate the water either with an airstone or filter so the temperature will be even

Answer 5

Not sure how big is your bucket & how many fish in there, but like what the others said just get at least a temporary tank pronto. In fact all fish keepers should have some kind of backup tank for emergencies, quarantine, hospital tank use.

One problem with the bucket is there is no water current to circulate the heated water. I presume you have also rigged up the heater in suspension so as to not be in direct contact with the bucket. Maybe have some kind of guard around the heater so the fish can't touch it.

Answer 6

yes you can, make sure you dont heat the water too much - thats as much of an issue as melting the bucket! If you have a heater with an adjustable thermostat reduce the temp down.

Get a new tank as soon as possible.

Answer 7

You said you used drinking water? My dad and I have been raising saltwater and freshwater fish for about 10 years. Never once have we used just plain drinking water or tap water. We usually use filtered water. Are you letting your new fish get used to the water? Like letting them float at the top in their bags for an hour or so? Otherwise, I would do a complete water overhaul. Clean out all the water, all the rocks, clean the tanks. Dump out all the water and completely change it. 100% freshwater. Otherwise, go back to the store and ask him what could be the matter.

Answer 8

Its arguable and there are basically many potential answers to this question..

Answer 9

Sure you can as long as you have a fully submersible one.

Answer 10

I was wondering the same question myself yesterday