Need Help with heater!!!

[MickieFish]

Ok.. I have the heater from WalMart.. 100 W in a 29 G tank. 2 days ago I did 25% PWC and forgot to turn the heater off. It was only exposed about 2 inches below the "water line" marking. I kept an eye on the temp and it stayed steady 78 degrees (using one of those sticky therm.) . Today I put in a new CoraLife digital thermometer, and when I read it, it said 80.4 degrees! I still had the sticky on, so I look, and sure enough, it read 80 as well. So I turned it down a bit, checked an hour later and it read 80.8 degrees! Now.. how much should I turn this thing down?? It has degree markings on it.. so a degree at the time? How often?? Could it be overheating? ARGH! I know that changing temp too quickly can stress the fish.. HELP!!!

Oh yeah!! Where in the aquarium should I put the probe for the thermometer? Right now I have it on the total opposite side from the heater, about halfway down the side.. Thanks!

 

[Devilishturtles]

That's a good place for the probe.

80.4 is nothing to worry about, but the fact that it is going up in temperature could be a faulty heater. Lower the temp a degree at a time, and open up your hood to let some of the heat escape. See if that helps.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I agree with DT. 80.4 is nothing to worry about, but I would lower it back down to 76 one degree at a time. If it wont' budge, you'll need to get a new heater. I suggest the Visi-Therm Stealth. You won't have the problems with the heater breaking if it comes out of the water.