Why I Hate Heaters.

[severina]

I bought a 10 gallon tank to use as a hospital tank for my dwarf gouramis..becuase I couldn't be bothered to fully clean out the 25 gallon. So I fill it up...dechlorinate the water..and just figured I'd use the heater from the 25 gallon (after washing it, of course.) Well, the darned thing won't keep the temp of the 10 gallon above 72 degrees, when it is made for tanks up to 30 gallons. When I had fish in my 25 gallon it did a well enough job, I don't understand what's happening with it now. I've only had it for a few months...it better not crap out on me now, of all times to crap out. So, I've wrapped a fleece blanket around it to keep the heat in, hopefully that will work. If not...I'm going to lose my mind. I've already busted one heater in the 55 gallon, and the one I bought to replace it decided to spontaniously combust...I can't afford all this heater drama! *flails*

 

[Chri$]

why not get 2 heaters for your 55 gallon, so one isn't slogging it's guts out to keep the temp up.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

How many watts exactly are your heaters? Its entirely plausable that they just aern't strong enough to heat your tanks.

 

[SamUK]

why not get 2 heaters for your 55 gallon, so one isn't slogging it's guts out to keep the temp up.

agreed!

i have 2 heaters in each of my tanks so that there not working as hard and if one does die then i have a backup.

 

[rEvolution27]

Well i don't need heaters. My tank is naturally always between 74 -81. That reminds me, i should get to selling that heater that came with my tank...

 

[FrankP]

The Heater in my 180l tank failed (it was only 13 months old) in the on position while I was on holiday...............

Anybody know where I can get some new fish

 

[cujoho78]

Hi. Do you know how many Watts the heater is rated at? 30-50 Watts should be enough to heat a 10 gallon. The problem with smaller tanks is that they are more susceptible to temperature (as well as chemical) fluctuations. Large bodies of water like rivers and lakes change temperature much more slowly than would a glass of water sitting at the water's edge. It's just the nature of the beast. Thus, your 10 gallon will change temperature more easily than would your 55 gallon. Room temperature will have a more pronounced effect on the temperature in the 10g. Is it possible you just haven't got the heater set to the right setting? I know some heaters can be finicky to set. If the heater worked ok in your 25g, then it should be able to heat the 10 no problem.
Good luck.

 

[severina]

No idea what the wattage is, but its supposed to be made for tanks 10-30 gallons. Its working now for some reaon..I'm still suspicious of it. *glares at the heater*

 

[cujoho78]

Its working now for some reaon..I'm still suspicious of it.

I know exactly what you mean. I have a little hang on heater for my 10 gal quarantine tank, and i don't trust that heater at all. The submmersible i have in my 55 gal is much better. Just keep an eye on it keeping in mind that the room temperature will make a difference in the 10 gal.

 

[CBTF]

My heater messes with my head too. Above the glass tubing there's that plastic piece attached to the dial.. It's opening a little where it is kept together vertically. Only about 3 mm's but its worrysome.. im assuming its ok though. Heater is 3 weeks old.