Heater Issues

[LadyVictorian]

Not sure if my heater is working or not or if it's my thermometer.

It's suppose to be at at least 78 degrees but right now I am reading 76 though I have it set to be at 80. It's a 2.5 to 15 gal heater 50 wats and I got it from Walmart (I hate the store but my old heater broke down so I gave them their damn chance with a heater) However as I figured I think it's broken...go figure. Either that or my themomiter isn't reading right. I have the kind you stick on the side of the tank, outside of the water. It turns the number green that is the temp of the tank but I don't know how trusty it is. I got it from Petco. Even sticking my finger into the water however it feels cold so I have no idea what is going on, is it one or the other or possibly both?

[acadialover]

Hi LV
I have the same dilemma with all of my Betta tanks. I have the outside therm, which rads 82, the heater is at 78, and then finally I have a digital therm, battery operated, which reads 79.9.
I prefer to think that the digi is the correct one !

[MsGita]

Those stick on thermometers are not very reliable, I would get a submersible one. I wouldn't worry about the heater until you can get an accurate reading.

[LadyVictorian]

Okay, I am just panicked because even the water feels too cold when I check it.

[MsGita]

Originally Posted by LadyVictorian

Okay, I am just panicked because even the water feels too cold when I check it.

My heater is set to 78 and my thermometer reads 78 but depending on the temp in my house (and body temp) the water can feel cold. Don't worry

[LebronTheBetta]

Those stick out thermometers are really a pain. Get a different thermometer and see if it's the correct temperature. If it is, awesome. But if it isn't, I suggest a better heater. Like the Hydor THEO for example. :)

Humans are naturally almost 100F in body heat so that's why the water is cold to touch. It's a really bad way of telling but sometimes it works!