Heater Prob

[pnyklr3]

I have a heater (given to me) and I don't know how to set it. It is a SecondNature Challenger (made by Tetra I think) and it has a dial that spins one way or another to adjust the heat. Nowhere on it do I see a way to set the temp, so I am doing it by trial and error. But now I need it lowered....fast. Is it alright to add very cold water or ice to the tank? There are no fish in the tank...yet. They were supposed to go in this morning, but I noticed the temp. Does anyone know how to set this heater?

 

[BettaMomma]

IF, and ONLY IF there are no fish in the tank, yes go ahead and put cold water in. then adjust your dial and make sure the temp goes down. Do NOT put your fish into the tank until you've had your temp regulated for several days.

Search for this heater on google.com and see what you can find, but PLEASE don't put your fish in with that heater until you have it completely figured out.

 

[Raechal]

Is the knob brown on top and it is a little wheel and one one side is sais hotter or cooler I think with arrows in which way to turn it? Watch out because these things can heat up FAST! the temp dropped to about 70 overnight and I cranked the heater up and within like 20 minutes the temp was at around 85! I was worried my betta would be affected my the temp change but he seemed fine. I then did a 50% water change and slowly added cooler water.

Make sure you have a separate thermometer to keep track of what temp the water is in the tank. When I want to heat the tank a little I crank the knob very slowly until the red/orange light flickers on then leave it there. Then when the temp goes up to what I like, I just turn the nob until the light goes back off.

 

[pnyklr3]

Yeah, no fish in it right now, but wanted to put them in soon!

What is the general temp range for tropical fish? It was at 82-84 when I found it. Too hot? What's the lowest the temp should go before I have health probs?

 

[Dorkhedeos]

lowest is 70 highest is 85. ive read that on most heaters, counterclockwise is raising temp and clockwise is decreasing temp. good luck.

 

[Dorkhedeos]

the normal temp is around 75 though

 

[sushi]

Hi. that sounds like the same sort of heater i've got. You're supposed to turn it the warmer way only until the light goes on (if you have one) when it goes off, check temp, and if you need it warmer, turn the knob just until the light goes on again. this way you get it the right temp. A bit of buggering about, but they work just as good as any expensive temp setting one If it gets too hot again, you just turn it back until the light just turns off. HTH