Heaters
Why do I need a heater?
Tropical fishes need to have their aquarium water maintained at it's natural temperature. For most species, 75° F (24° C) is suitable, although some specific species are happier at higher temperatures. Coldwater fishes such as Goldfish do not usually require extra heating, although the fancy coldwater fish such as Fantails, Orandas, Lionheads etc seem to do much better at almost tropical temperatures. It follows therefore, that in areas where the ambient temperature is lower than that quoted above, some method of raising the water temperature is required.
Combined Heater/Thermostats
The use of a combined heater/thermostat is the most popular method of heating an aquarium. It consists of a sealed glass tube, within which is contained the heating element, and above that is the thermostatic control. The glass tubes are now permanently sealed to prevent access to the electrics by the consumer; any adjustment to the temperature setting being carried out by turning the external adjustment.
What Size Heater do I Need?
The wattage of heater necessary to maintain the required aquarium temperature depends on a number of factors:
- The volume of water to be heated
- The temperature to be maintained
- Room temperature variations
- The dimensions and level of insulation of the aquarium
Where do I place the Heater?
The unit should be placed at the bottom of the aquarium to encourage even heating throughout the tank. The heater should be positioned either horizontally or at a 45° angle with the thermostat above the heater, using the clips and suckers provided. Do not place the suction holder over the heating element. It is essential that no part of the heater is either in contact with the glass or any other material in the aquarium. DO NOT BURY THE UNIT IN THE SAND OR GRAVEL, as this would result in the cracking of the heater glass. The heater must be submerged at least to the minimum water level marked on the glass tube at all times.
How Do I Adjust the Temperature Setting?
Disconnect the heater from the mains. Wait 15 minutes for the heater to cool, before removing it from the water. Less expensive units only have an adjusting knob, with no temperature setting scale, so these should be altered by turning the knob no more than a quarter-turn in the direction needed as indicated on the heater. Replace the heater in the aquarium, switch on, and leave to settle for 12 hours, monitoring the temperature carefully until it has settled down. Re-adjust if desired temperature is still not achieved. More expensive heaters have a temperature setting indicator as well as the adjustment knob, so these are easier to re-set. Turn the adjusting knob until the desired temperature is indicated, replace in the aquarium, switch on and monitor the temperature carefully until it has settled down. Re-adjust if necessary.
Cautions :
- Always disconnect from the electricity supply when the unit is out of the water or before putting your hands in the water.
- Always disconnect from the electricity supply when the unit is out of the water or before putting your hands in the water.
- Always let the heater cool down for 15 minutes before taking it out of the water.
- Always leave 24 hours for temperatures to stabilize before introducing fish.
- These units are not intended to be used in bathrooms.
- The supply cord of heater/thermostats cannot be replaced. If the cord is damaged, the heater should be discarded.
- The water level must be kept at or above the minimum water level indicator line.
| Selecting The Right Size Heater | ||||
| Watts | Length | Volume | ||
| 50 | 18in (46cm) | 5-10 gal (23-45 litres) | ||
| 100 | 24in (61cm) | 10-20 gal (45-90 litres) | ||
| 150 | 30in (76cm) | 15-30 gal (68-135 litres) | ||
| 200 | 36in (91cm) | 20-40 gal (90-180 litres) | ||
| 250 | 48in (122cm) | 30-60 gal (135-270 litres) | ||
| If the aquarium is in a cold location, or a temperature of over 26° C is required, select the next highest wattage for your size of aquarium. (Information courtesy of Interpet Ltd) |
||||
Fluval E-Series Aquarium Heaters
The Fluval E-Series Aquarium Heaters may need to be reset, to do this turn off the heater and re-position the heater on a 45 degree angle. Then turn on the heater and turn the temperature down as low as it will go (18 degrees), then turn the temperature up as high as it will go (34 degrees). After this set the heater at the desired temp and leave the heater at a 45 degree angle.
There are no problems with the heaters, the only issue is that the heaters need to be positioned on a 45 degree angle to disperse the heat. The heaters are so sensitive, they will read the water temp inside the heater guard if positioned vertically.