Heater Problem

[mbriggs84]

I have a 29 gallon tank with a 150 watt heater. I am just restarting my tank and have been running it for 3 days now. It seems that the heater is not shutting off at all, and has heated the water to over 86F. I unplugged the heater for one day, let the tank cool down to about 74F, set the heater to its middle setting (only has low to high reading) and plugged it back in. Now I've had to turn the heater all the way down again and it is still not shutting off, while the temp is rising to over 80F. Am I possibly doing something wrong, or does it seem like my heater is broken? I didn't want to go out and buy a new one if i didn't need to.

 

[Better is Betta]

I have a 29 gallon tank with a 150 watt heater. I am just restarting my tank and have been running it for 3 days now. It seems that the heater is not shutting off at all, and has heated the water to over 86F. I unplugged the heater for one day, let the tank cool down to about 74F, set the heater to its middle setting (only has low to high reading) and plugged it back in. Now I've had to turn the heater all the way down again and it is still not shutting off, while the temp is rising to over 80F. Am I possibly doing something wrong, or does it seem like my heater is broken? I didn't want to go out and buy a new one if i didn't need to.

 

[guppi]

Sounds like the thermostat not working, think you need to buy two one for the replacement and one for a backup.

 

[Joshwainwright]

I wouldn't try fixing it as you could damage the seal which keeps the water away from the inner electrical parts. I would just go out and buy another heater or possibly two if you want a back up.

 

[mbriggs84]

Thanks for the advice. Now for my next question... Following the 5 watts per gallon rule for my 29 gallon tank would mean getting another 150 watt heater. But I've noticed a lot of the heaters I've been looking at on the internet say that 100 watt heaters are good for up to 30 gallons. Anyone have any advice or recommendations on a good heater???