Heater rating question

[senorkevin]

Does it matter if the heater is long or short? I have a long one (heater!) and it is almost touching the gravel.

 

[Grumble69]

I prefer the long one. It's more surface area to my water. I've got it on one side of my tank. And when I take temperature readings on the opposite side (digital probe that measure to a tenth of a degree), it's the exact same as where my heater is. I've got good circulation from my filter, so that plays a role in that too.

Mine comes down to about a half inch above my substrate. It's not the prettiest looking thing. But as my planted tank fills in, it shouldn't be as obvious.