Can I do this with a 50w heater?

[twoodrough]

I have a 3 (three) gallon tank with a male betta in it. It is plastic. I have an extra 50w heater. It looks like it could fit, but would be pretty close to the bottom and substrate. Can I use this heater on this tank to get the temp up to 78 or so?

 

[okapizebra]

Mayve try placing it diagonally?

 

[tbrazil230]

Power wise you should be golden, I have a 50w in my 10 gallon tank, I would just be extra cautious about it resting too much on the plastic

 

[eduguy]

Plastic can melt from the heater I think. Also fifty watts is a generally used for 10 gallon tanks.

 

[twoodrough]

The diag did the trick. The bottom of the heater is 1/2 to 3/4 inch off the bottom and I have medium sized gravel stone substrate so the heat shouldn't get to the plastic at all. Unless I should be worried about the back of the tank? The heater is attached to the back with suction cups. The temp is only going to be 78 degrees. That does not seem like it would be a enough to cause melting, or am I wrong?

 

[tbrazil230]

Unless the heater sits right on the plastic it shouldn't,

 

[eduguy]

Watch your tank carefully just in case.