kfoster
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Hey if anyone has extensive knowledge of heaters, and also temperature controlling devices, I could use some guidance.
The reason I'm looking into this, is right now I have a tetra submersible heater in my 10 gallon tank (yes, the cheap one you get from WalMart that has no temp control, it just automatically "sets" it in an acceptable range)
While Mr. Cheapo is working fine right now, it tends to keep the water around 76, and I wouldn't mind it being 78... So while I started researching heaters online, I now have heard numerous horror stories of this heater (Cheapie WalMart Heater) malfunctioning and cooking people's fish. People saying "STAY AWAY" and "ONLY BUY THIS HEATER IF YOU HATE YOUR FISH". I don't hate my fish, I love my fish. I don't want to take any risks, especially seeing that this tank is at work and all of this could very well happen on the weekend while I'm away. I'm Mrs. Worst Case Scenario.
So although the ticking time bomb death machine is functioning, I went shopping for a new, adjustable heater. Much to my dismay, even the most expensive heaters out there have reviews of failing equipment. I ended up going with a 50W Aqueon Pro. Few bad reviews, good price.
Paranoia has not subsided, so I started researching more into what is best - fully submersed or have the dial above water - vertical or horizontal - etc etc
From some advice I saw online. Heaters work best in the vertical position, with the dial out of water. Having two heaters of smaller watts would prevent overheating, and/or having this temperature controller safeguard.
So, here are my questions:
1) Should I return my 50Watt heater and get two 25Watt heaters for my 10 gallon tank? What brand sells a reliable 25 watt heater? I saw one for EHEIM Jager, but it seems so tall! --- or will my Aqueon 50Watt be okay in there?
2) If the heater works best in vertical position, during PWC's, the water will be below the "water line" drawn by the manufacturer. is it okay to unplug a heater while doing the water change, and plug back in when complete? Or should I have it horizontally on the bottom so it never has to be unplugged?
3) What type of temperature controller would work best in my situation? 10 gallon tank...
Does anyone have success with the Ranco ETC? if so, is this the device I need? Is it too much for my little set up? I found one prewired because I'm no electrician guru.
http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html
4) I feel really dumb asking, but how do these work? I assume the device plugs into the outlet, and heater plugs into device? Correct?
Thanks for any advice!
KF
The reason I'm looking into this, is right now I have a tetra submersible heater in my 10 gallon tank (yes, the cheap one you get from WalMart that has no temp control, it just automatically "sets" it in an acceptable range)
While Mr. Cheapo is working fine right now, it tends to keep the water around 76, and I wouldn't mind it being 78... So while I started researching heaters online, I now have heard numerous horror stories of this heater (Cheapie WalMart Heater) malfunctioning and cooking people's fish. People saying "STAY AWAY" and "ONLY BUY THIS HEATER IF YOU HATE YOUR FISH". I don't hate my fish, I love my fish. I don't want to take any risks, especially seeing that this tank is at work and all of this could very well happen on the weekend while I'm away. I'm Mrs. Worst Case Scenario.
So although the ticking time bomb death machine is functioning, I went shopping for a new, adjustable heater. Much to my dismay, even the most expensive heaters out there have reviews of failing equipment. I ended up going with a 50W Aqueon Pro. Few bad reviews, good price.
Paranoia has not subsided, so I started researching more into what is best - fully submersed or have the dial above water - vertical or horizontal - etc etc
From some advice I saw online. Heaters work best in the vertical position, with the dial out of water. Having two heaters of smaller watts would prevent overheating, and/or having this temperature controller safeguard.
So, here are my questions:
1) Should I return my 50Watt heater and get two 25Watt heaters for my 10 gallon tank? What brand sells a reliable 25 watt heater? I saw one for EHEIM Jager, but it seems so tall! --- or will my Aqueon 50Watt be okay in there?
2) If the heater works best in vertical position, during PWC's, the water will be below the "water line" drawn by the manufacturer. is it okay to unplug a heater while doing the water change, and plug back in when complete? Or should I have it horizontally on the bottom so it never has to be unplugged?
3) What type of temperature controller would work best in my situation? 10 gallon tank...
Does anyone have success with the Ranco ETC? if so, is this the device I need? Is it too much for my little set up? I found one prewired because I'm no electrician guru.
http://www.etcsupply.com/ranco-etc111000000-prewired-digital-temperature-controller-p-87.html
4) I feel really dumb asking, but how do these work? I assume the device plugs into the outlet, and heater plugs into device? Correct?
Thanks for any advice!
KF