Heaters At 45 Degree Angle...

[elliott78]

I've seen many "tank setup" informational sections on different websites and have noticed recently that some are setting up heaters at a 45 degree angle. Is there an advantage to this as opposed to the traditional 90 degree angle?

 

[Gvilleguy]

I thought it was just personal preference. I have mine at a 45 degree angle because it's easier to grab the thermostat handle to adjust it.

 

[elliott78]

Makes sense... Gorgeous tank!

 

[Katch]

It's to ensure even heat distribution. I guess its more of a hang on from the days when tanks had relatively low circulation, air driver under gravel filters etc.

If you mounted the heater vertically at one end of the tank it stands to reason you'll end up with a column of hotter water and at the other end of the tank cooler.

 

[waterdrop]

Agree, tanks used to have *much* less circulation typically. WD

 

[the biffster]

i thought it was to do with heat rising
if a 45 degrees the heat doesn't go directly
on the the thermostat part of the heater
hence knocking the heater of before it is up to
temperature i remember when i first started fish
keeping heater thermostats were two separate peaces
and some even had external thermostats i used to like them
you could run 4 tanks with 4 heaters of one thermostat

 

[OldMan47]

I use a 45 because it lets me fit a bigger heater into a smaller tank. Some heaters are just too long for convenience otherwise. I don't like to unplug a heater just to do a partial water change and the angle lets me move the heater lower in the water.

 

[Curiosity101]

I don't like to unplug a heater just to do a partial water change and the angle lets me move the heater lower in the water.

I was just about to say the exact same thing. Makes water changes easier as you can remove more water before needing to turn the heater off.