200W Visi- Stealth Heater not turning off when not submerged

[helicopter]

I thought these heaters where supposed to automatically turn off when out of the water. I assumed this (becuase it was part of the information on petsmarts description) and attempted this and it almost burned up.

[MSU Fan]

Most heaters are notorious for this type of failure. I always unplug mine if I think it could even come close to leaving the water regardless. HTH

[kickeralpine]

i agree never pull a hearter out of water inless its unpluged good way to get burnt or kill the heater out of water it dont know when to turn off .

[An t-iasg]

I've noticed this with my 25 and 50 watt Visitherm Stealth heaters too. I've removed 50% of the tank water and I'm wiping the inside glass when I touch the heater (the part that is above water) and it is very hot. I thought it would not turn on when it sensed it was above water. It does still turn on, but it can't break like a glass one would. I have not unplugged mine for a water change and it still works fine. I just will be careful not to touch it dry anymore.

[Kurt_Nelson]

Another reason it'd be nice if they had lights. But then... I guess it wouldn't be "stealthy".

[kickeralpine]

you really should unplug it when ya do a water change sooner or later it will kill the heater

[Fishyfanatic]

The Stealth in the 29 is out of the water at every water water, have been doing that for about 2 1/2 years now and it still works like the day I got it.