Cracked Heater

[ladybird76]

I just got in from work and have noticed that the heater light was on. When I checked it the glass has cracked. One of the suckers had slipped and the heater was sitting on the substrate. I had kept the heater box and the packaging said that the light comes on when it's heating the device, would it also come on if it's broken? (it didn't mention this)

Obviously I’m going to get a new one tomorrow but between now and then I don’t know what to do. I don’t usually have the heating on during the day but do you think it would make a difference to leave the heating on full whack until I can put the new heater in tomorrow evening? Do I take the heater out of the tank or leave it? As it has cracked could it cause a short and be a fire hazard?

My tank is the Interpet 48 litre with the 100watt Deltatherm heater that came with it. I’ve got six neon tetras and 3 black skirt tetras. At the moment the temperature is 22C and has been for the past hour or two.

 

[fluttermoth]

I would unplug it and take it out if it's cracked; it could be dangerous.

Until you can get a new one, yes turn your heating up if you can, or you could wrap the tank in some bubble wrap or a duvet, or you can stand pop/soda bottles filled with very hot (but not boiling) water in the tank to act as hot water bottles.

Try not to panic too much; most fish are ok with temperature drops, as long as they're gradual.

 

[Aqua Tom]

22C is too low for tropicals, Why dont you have the heating on during the day?

Take the heater out, stamp on it & throw it away. It is no longer intrinsicly safe.

New heater needed.

Tom