What do you do with your heater?

[BettaJen]

Hello. I just got my first submersible heater by Tetra for 10 to 30 gallons. I have a ten gallon. Anyone have it, any reviews? :P

The temperature is fine now but it will soon get cold. I'm in Canada. My room is near the window. :P

I was wondering where the best spot to put a heater is? Is horizontal or vertical better? It says its easy to hide, but I think not. Also how often and when do you leave your heater plugged?

Thanks.

[DragonFish]

^This heater correct?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I do believe that is a Present heater, meaning that there is no thermostat and its not adjustable. Unfortunately these heaters are often unreliable and either don't work at all or under-heat. To be honest, I'd return it if I were you and instead look for a 50 watt thats adjustable with a thermostat. Hydor, Elite, and Aqueon are a few good brands that come to mind.

As far as heater placement, next to the filter intake either vertical or somewhat tilted(my personal preference, but to each their own)should do the trick.
I personally don't find any heater difficult to hide if you have enough cover in your tank, though at the same time I don't find heaters to be unsightly....they're just part of having an aquarium like anything else. xD
You should always have your heater plugged in. Some people who live in a warmer area with stably-warm summers can get away with unplugging their heaters in the summer, but its usually a good idea to keep your heater plugged in 24-7 year round, just like a filter, to keep your water stable.

[laynisample]

I have that heater and HATE it. I'm going to get a new one tomorrow. It's in my ten gallon and it fluctuates so much. It goes from 79-90 (IN ONE DAY). I'm sorry. Ninety is too warm for my fish. I'm glad I don't have any fish in there yet as it's the tank I'm cycling. I'd be scared to think what would happen if I had put them in there.

[Hallyx]

Actually. High 80* temps are good for fishless cycling, along with lots of aeration and filter flow.

But, you're right, that filter is inadequate, even dangerous. I agree with Dragonfish's recommendations. (I'm really disappointed in Tetra in general.)

[BettaJen]

Thanks for the information guys!
It seems to be working well so far...

[DragonFish]

Hmm....if it seems to be working and holding a steady temp in the proper range, just keep a really close eye on it I'd say. I'd still suggest exchanging it for a better, more reliable heater but if you want to risk it and stick with this one its up to you of course. xD Good luck!

[toad]

I bought 2 of those (the second one to replace the first one) and they didn't work at all; I'd plug them in, the light would come on, and then turn off and the water would stay stone cold. I returned them and bought a Petco brand 50 watt, and love it. It's adjustable and keeps the tank a consistent temp.

[aokashi]

id suggest the 50w hagen elite from amazon. :) cheaper than the 25w and the exact same size...
go figure
I'm using it in a 3g right now

[BettaJen]

Hehe that is weird that it's cheaper.

It's working well.. The light won't change at all but the temp is steady. I am getting wary with the comments, but it wasn't that expensive, has a longer guarantee anyway, so I think I'll stick with it. If I'm being too trusting here, you guys mentioned other heaters that seem good.

I appreciate it. :)