Can't Get Tank Warm Enough

[DevotedToDiscus]

I know the feeling. I lived in the North of Scotland for about ten years in and old stone house, and it was cold as ice in the winter, and my main house heater was a wood burner. So while I was at work it would get really cold inside my house, and I was so scared about my tank(80 gallons) so I had two 300 watt heaters in it, just in case one failed. They never did fail, but it just made me feel safe.

All said and done, let's be honest, heaters are not that expensive so get one that gives you piece of mind.

 

[Moonlit]

Wow I thought I was only one lived in a cold dungeon. lol No, actually the place is great its just really cold. Doesn't get much sun during the day because of angle of building plus the back side is up again a high embankment that is tree-lined and there is a big tree on the side so always in the shade. I even put in insulated panels under the wall and light sockets, caulked every crack and hole I could find and cover the windows in plastic because the heat bill was so high. Ordering the heater tonight and thinking about a new filter too.

 

[raptorrex]

Don't want to make any silly comments, but have you checked the water with more than one thermometer? It might be the thermometer and not the heater that is at fault. If not then the thermostat on the heater could be faulty, and as such the only solution is to replace the heater.

Hope that helps a bit.

I wondered about that, but I've been using an digital thermometer so I thought those were the absolute most accurate?

lol, if only.
most digital thermometers are far worse than any spirit item. its a common misconception that, because some thing has a digital display. its somehow accurate, nothing could be further from the truth.

anyhow, as most others have said, get yourself a new heater and spend an extra $2.99 on a spirit thermometer too. at lest you know that will give you , reasonably, accurate readings.

 

[Moonlit]

Don't want to make any silly comments, but have you checked the water with more than one thermometer? It might be the thermometer and not the heater that is at fault. If not then the thermostat on the heater could be faulty, and as such the only solution is to replace the heater.

Hope that helps a bit.

I wondered about that, but I've been using an digital thermometer so I thought those were the absolute most accurate?

lol, if only.
most digital thermometers are far worse than any spirit item. its a common misconception that, because some thing has a digital display. its somehow accurate, nothing could be further from the truth.

anyhow, as most others have said, get yourself a new heater and spend an extra $2.99 on a spirit thermometer too. at lest you know that will give you , reasonably, accurate readings.

Is a spirit thermometer one containing mercury or does it have something to do with ghosts? lol

 

[Tolak]

Nearly all aquatic thermometers, the ones with the colored liquid, use alcohol, thus the spirit thermometer reference. A good lab grade one might contain mercury, haven't looked into those in the longest time.

 

[Noahs ark6]

I agree with most other people, invest in a better quality, adjustable heater

 

[three-fingers]

The Fluval E isn't stating whether its submersible so am debating on that.

It is fully submersible . I've had mine for over a year now and it's always been accurate straight from the box. They have an digital thermostat instead of the bi-metallic strip used in pretty much every other aquarium heater, and I think why this is why mine hasn't drifted off temps yet.

Eheim Jagers are excellent too I used them too, just more delicate than the Fluval E (I've broken both of mine the same way ).

 

[BigbruiserAl]

Wish you can turn off the Low flow on the E series annoys more to death

 

[three-fingers]

Lol same here,but despite the low flow indicator constantly flashing, it keeps the temp right.

 

[raptorrex]

Nearly all aquatic thermometers, the ones with the colored liquid, use alcohol, thus the spirit thermometer reference. A good lab grade one might contain mercury, haven't looked into those in the longest time.

its true, good mercury (certified) thermometers are top notch.
but have you seen how much they cost? I though digi's (calibratable) cost enough! mind you.
a good Mercury thermometer, will never need recalibration. that's a +
on the - side, they are fragile. and horribly poisonous if broken.
both to you , and your fish.