Yes - that is a decent heater. In fact - it is what most people recommend on this forum since it's affordable.

 

That's great! Thanks. Ordering it on Amazon now. I am sure I'll be posting many more questions soon.

 

There's another heater that has a good reputation too - and I personally think it's better than hydor.

http://www.amazon.com/EHEIM-Jager-A...&qid=1422835171&sr=8-1&keywords=50w+heater&pebp=1422835178887&peasin=B003U82YEY

^ For a few dollars more.

 

I'll second the Jagers, they're big and not the easiest to hide, but they're built like a tank.

 

I did go ahead and buy the Hydor 50watt. Does anyone else's heater light go off and then back on before the water reaches the desired temperature. Mine is doing that periodically. I hope it's not broken. I just may have to get that Jager.

 

The hydro heaters are awesome! I have one! =D

 

Great photos. Love your cats

 

Thank you! I only have one cat though. Her name is Misa..

 

Well, it's been 36 hours that I have had the Hydor 50w in the tank. It's set to 80 and the water is still 76. The heater light is still going on/off. I was under the impression that the heater stayed lit until the dialed temperature was reached and then it went off and would keep the water at that temp. I think I may have a defective heater. Unfortunately, I purchased it on Amazon. It may be hard for me to return it.

 

What's the temperature of the room?
Those heaters don't stay constantly on, they usually have a duty cycle (on for a certain period, then off) to protect the components and the fish from sudden temperature changes. After 36 hours though, the tank should have stabilized.
I found when I had the 50W Hydor in my 10 with the room temperature being below 65 degrees, the heater had a devil of a time keeping up.

First though, try turning the set temperature up and see if that brings up the temperature in the tank, it could be a calibration issue.

 

If the room is super cold, you may need a 75 watt or 100 watt one to bring the temperature up. First, I'd try setting it on 82 degrees and see if it brings it up to 78. I had to play around with mine to get the water to the right temperature. If your house temperature fluctuates a lot (like during spring here when it's 40 at night outside and 80 during the day), keep an eye on the tank temp and make adjustments when it's needed.