Tank Temperature Fluctuation

[neo83]

Hi Guys

I have a Fluval Roma 125 (125l / 33 USG) and my stocking list is in my signature. I try to maintain the tank at 24-25 C. But my current rented place is not good insulation wise and gets very cold and do use convector heaters when at home. However during the nights the tank temp seems to be going as low as 22C (when heater set at 24/25C), so i have set the heater at 26 to bring it to 24 but goes to 26C sometimes. It's most probably to do with the fluctuations in the room temperature, but i'm a bit concerned with the 4 degree fluctuations every day.

Heater is Hagen M150 (150w). Appreciate any advice!

Thanks

 

[saltynay]

You need a single higher wattage heater or 2 heaters in that tank to maintain the temperature at 24C as desired.

 

[neo83]

You need a single higher wattage heater or 2 heaters in that tank to maintain the temperature at 24C as desired.

Thanks saltynay. Would you recommend buying another Fluval M150 to use alongside the existing one or an Fluval E300 (300w) on its own?

Thanks

 

[Joshwainwright]

I know the question was directed at saltynay, however I would rather have one 300W heater than two 150W heaters simply to save room in my tank and to keep the equipment I need to disguise to a minimum.

 

[saltynay]

I would get either the 150W or 300W depending on price and run 2 that way you have redundancy if one fails. You could always get the single 300W if you wanted but wouldn't make much difference either or and may not be enough + if it breaks your screwed and need to get a new one fast.

 

[hillbilly]

If you have the heater vertical then try having it at an angle. I tried it whilst I was awaiting a higher wattage heater to arrive for a tank in a conservatory and it cured the problem. I suspect the heat rising directly from the heater causes the thermostat to switch of too soon.

 

[saltynay]

You should always have the pump aimed indirectly at the heater to provide adequate flow to stop the thermostat turning off to soon from localised temp as hill billy states.

BTW heat doesn't rise heat moves in all directions equally the medium that it is transferred through e.g. water rises due to a reduced density when heated.

 

[hillbilly]

BTW heat doesn't rise heat moves in all directions equally the medium that it is transferred through e.g. water rises due to a reduced density when heated.

You are correct of course. I should have said "I suspect the hot water rising directly from around the heater causes the thermostat to switch of too soon". I always try to be as precise as I can in my answers but obviously sometimes fail!

 

[neo83]

Right, thanks guys for the quick and detailed responses. Below is the current pic of the tank.

The heater is right behind the yellowing sword leaf on the right side and as you can see its to the left of the filter output nozzle which is pointing towards the glass wall. Is this position of the heater ok?

I did position the heater slanted a while back, but i was hearing clicking noise (definitely even when it's not switching on and off). So i switched it back to be vertical and never heard a clicking noise again and probably working fine

Well may be i need to get a bigger heater and get this checked by Fluval as they give 3 years warranty on it.

Thanks

 

[saltynay]

You are correct of course. I should have said "I suspect the hot water rising directly from around the heater causes the thermostat to switch of too soon". I always try to be as precise as I can in my answers but obviously sometimes fail!

I detect sarcasm but none the less it is best to be precise and clear as you never know who may read you post as it is now in the public domain and can be read by anyone. I always try and do my best but sometimes fail after all were only human and I am happy when someone corrects me on my errors it allows me to learn and give correct advice next time.

 

[ricefish]

Back to the op a 4 degree fluctuation is nothing to worry about,more natural than a constant temp my fishroom fluctuates more than this within a few hours sometimes

 

[neo83]

Back to the op a 4 degree fluctuation is nothing to worry about,more natural than a constant temp my fishroom fluctuates more than this within a few hours sometimes

Well that throws everything back into the water, doesnt it? So shall i leave it like how it is then?

Also, could any of the fluval M heater users comment about the clicking noise please?

Thanks