Should I Buy A New Heater?

[Ryefish]

The tank I have is second hand, along with the heater. I have a glass thermometer which is brand new in the tank.
I set the tank up to start my cycle two days ago and set the heater to 24C. The heater is still set at 24, but the reading on the thermometer has gone up to 26C and is heading for 27C. The tank is only a 30 litre.
Is this normal or is the thermostat in the heater broken?
Im not sure if i should get another one. Im worried my tank is going to cook when it comes to adding fish, or that the temp is going to go too high for my cycle - Waterlife bottles say temp needs to be between 70-80F and its almost at 80F!

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Just turn the thermometer down and monitor it. The reason we have thermometers and thermostats is to take into account error.

I have my thermostat set to 26 degrees and it's generally about 24-25oC and it's new.

The thermostat may be broken; like I said monitor it for a few days and if it keeps increasing then I'd say it's broken; it may just be initial temperature fluctuations.

 

[shelaghfishface]

for the sake of £20 i wouldnt risk it itl put your mind at ease if nothing else

shelagh xxx

 

[Ryefish]

Ive turned the heater down and im just watching the thermometer. Ill watch to see how much it heats up. Ill pick up another heater next week as a 'just in case'

 

[raptorrex]

The tank I have is second hand, along with the heater. I have a glass thermometer which is brand new in the tank.
I set the tank up to start my cycle two days ago and set the heater to 24C. The heater is still set at 24, but the reading on the thermometer has gone up to 26C and is heading for 27C. The tank is only a 30 litre.
Is this normal or is the thermostat in the heater broken?
Im not sure if i should get another one. Im worried my tank is going to cook when it comes to adding fish, or that the temp is going to go too high for my cycle - Waterlife bottles say temp needs to be between 70-80F and its almost at 80F!

Just turn the thermometer down and monitor it. The reason we have thermometers and thermostats is to take into account error.

I have my thermostat set to 26 degrees and it's generally about 24-25oC and it's new.

The thermostat may be broken; like I said monitor it for a few days and if it keeps increasing then I'd say it's broken; it may just be initial temperature fluctuations.

Ive turned the heater down and im just watching the thermometer. Ill watch to see how much it heats up. Ill pick up another heater next week as a 'just in case'

couldn't agree more. all heaters differ from the true temperature. just adjust the heater, using the spirit as a guide (as dipsy says.)
if it continues to climb, then you will need a new one. no point till you know for sure. £20 is a lot of money, especially if you don't need to spend it.

 

[crazychris]

Hi. If and when you buy a new heater I recommend VISITHERM. They're excellent, reliable and rarely go wrong, well certainly not for many years. I wouldn't buy any other make. I think Pets At Home sell them or certainly used to as I got my last one there. Warehouse Aquatics, online store, does too.

 

[waterdrop]

The tank I have is second hand, along with the heater. I have a glass thermometer which is brand new in the tank.
I set the tank up to start my cycle two days ago and set the heater to 24C. The heater is still set at 24, but the reading on the thermometer has gone up to 26C and is heading for 27C. The tank is only a 30 litre.
Is this normal or is the thermostat in the heater broken?
Im not sure if i should get another one. Im worried my tank is going to cook when it comes to adding fish, or that the temp is going to go too high for my cycle - Waterlife bottles say temp needs to be between 70-80F and its almost at 80F!

Just turn the thermometer down and monitor it. The reason we have thermometers and thermostats is to take into account error.

I have my thermostat set to 26 degrees and it's generally about 24-25oC and it's new.

The thermostat may be broken; like I said monitor it for a few days and if it keeps increasing then I'd say it's broken; it may just be initial temperature fluctuations.

Ive turned the heater down and im just watching the thermometer. Ill watch to see how much it heats up. Ill pick up another heater next week as a 'just in case'

couldn't agree more. all heaters differ from the true temperature. just adjust the heater, using the spirit as a guide (as dipsy says.)
if it continues to climb, then you will need a new one. no point till you know for sure. £20 is a lot of money, especially if you don't need to spend it.

Agree. Most of them have a rheostat knob. Its just random chance if the numbers on the knob happen to agree with real temperatures. In fact, most of them have a way you can move the number part of the knob separately from the actual rheostat that is controlling the setpoint, so that you can make the numbers match up to the real temperatures that your separate thermometer is telling you. Sometimes there's a visible little button on the knob you push to release the number part for this adjustment. Does that make sense?

~~waterdrop~~

 

[Ryefish]

yes it makes sense
Ive just looked and there is a little black buttony-type thing but im not sure if i can press it.

The heater is set on 20 and the temp is 24C. The orange heater light was on when i went to look. Ill keep an eye on it

 

[waterdrop]

The point at which the orange heater light goes on and off is where the real rheostat is matching your thermometer. Say your thermometer is at 24. You turn the knob until the light just goes off. Then you press the little black buttony thing (probably, but you might need to consult the owners manual or find it on the web or call the company) to release the connection between the numeric cap and the actual rheostat and turn the cap so that 24 lines up with the current setting arrow and then release the black button. Now the thermometer is at 24, the heater dial shows 24 and the heater setpoint is actually set at 24 (because that's where the light goes off or on.) You might have to repeat the process over time but it should get closer each time.

~~waterdrop~~