Heater next to filter?

[Kiaooh]

Because the starter kit I bought came with a heater that is too big to fit into the heater slot in the hood, headdesk. The slot for the filter is wide enough for the two to fit side by side; can I put them both there, or will the heater melt the filter? I don't really see any other options beyond buying a different heater, which would suck.

[iloveengl]

I always keep my heater right next to the filter. I figure it helps evenly heat the water as it is being output. Your setup is fine. =)

[Micho]

No it won't melt the heater, I recommend putting the heater beside the filter because you'll get an even distribution of heat in the water. :]

[Kiaooh]

Okay, thanks! What about plastic plants? Moving the heater put it in the way of one, so is it okay if the plastic from the plant is touching the heater?

[Micho]

I believe that would be fine, although I do not know the type of plastic the fake plant is made up of I do know that the lowest melting point of plastic is 70 ºC. It varies depending on the type of plastic but this one is the lowest one.

So you should be fine.

[Kiaooh]

My heater doesn't even seem to be working... rgh.

Another question. This filter makes a crapload of noise; can I turn it off at night? Google told me not to because fish need oxygen in their water, but is this an issue for bettas as well? Will eight hours of being unplugged kill my cycle (BIO-Wheel thing, so ost of them live in the filter... right?)?

The idea of buying a new filter really doesn't make my bank account happy, but my roommate won't be able to sleep with the mechanical noise this one puts off. It's not splashing that's the issue; it's the little part that's spinning. Can I just unplug it while we sleep and plug it back in when we wake up?

My poor little fishies need out of their tiny tanks.

[Kiaooh]

Sorry for the double post, all. I'm a derp who can't seem to find the edit button.

The Tetra Filter has been recommended for low noise, but are we referring to the hanging one or the in-tank one?

[Micho]

I'm surprised no one has replied to your questions anywho, I'm here.

As for the filter see if you can exchange it, say that it's just making too much noise and see if you can get another one for lesser or exact value. Turning off your filter for eight hours per day will affect your tank quite heavily especially if you're heavily stocked on fish, ammonia will spike and some fish might end up dying so I suggest not to turn off your filter. .

Yes I had the Tetra Whisper filters they're quite quiet I must say, virtually silent except for a small buzzing sound, something like this.

[Thunderloon]

You can take the bio-wheel out and cut a section of sponge that fits down in the place it was in.. you only need about 3/4 inch thickness but the width of the box and about five inches long - that will allow it to hang out into the water and be silent AND control the flow.

After a while the bio-wheels become rather quiet but it does take time.

The more engineering inclined can get a chunk of black reticulated sponge like used in 29g bio cubes and cut a cylinder that fits on the bio-wheel instead of the folded card thing. You can trim it carefully and double the performance, just keep it light weight if you're inclined to do this kind of thing.

[Kiaooh]

It's actually the impeller that's causing the racket. The BIO-wheel and gurgling water are nothing compared to the impeller rattling away. Any tips for quieting that part? I'm inclined to think I'd be better off with a Whisper, but I'm concerned I won't have enough room for it. The cutout in the hood is rather small.