[Mabin]

I forgot to turn off my hydro 25watt heater in my 2.5gallon tank, and nothing really happened but now it makes a clicking noise and it doesn't hear as fast. Right now it's around 80 degrees. But before this happened it was set to the same temp and it was around 81 degrees. I'm not sure if it's broken because it seems to stay at 80 degrees atm. And what could that clicking noise be that's it's making? Please help asap!

 

[MikeG14]

I first would check for cracks and condensation. The sound you are hearing is probably the contacts opening and closing and is not normal. It might work fine for now but what may happen is the little arcs you are hearing may actually weld the contacts to the element and cause the heater to stick in the on position. I personally wouldn't trust it and replace the heater.

More modern electronic heaters such as the Aqueon Pro shut themselves off when left out of the water.

 

[Mabin]

If I change the heat and it works and changes the water temp is it still fine to use? Cause I'm not sure if my dad will buy me another one.

 

[MikeG14]

I would replace it. But that's easy for me to say. Perhaps if you explain that it's a possible safety issue to your dad he will buy you a new one. Maybe you can talk him into an early Birthday/Christmas Present.

You can you use it but keep a close eye on the temperature but that's hard to do 24/7. It may never completely fail but you are at a higher risk.

 

[Mabin]

I am able to return it and get another one. While I am waiting for the new heater should I take out the old one? Or keep it in? Cause it still heats it and I don't want it to get too cold because my room at night gets down to 75 degrees.

 

[Mabin]

Acually, I don't think I can return it and also I turned up the heat a little bit and it worked. Also the clicking stopped. I didn't see and visibly cracking or condensation. what should I do

 

[MikeG14]

You should be fine, just keep a close eye on it and be on the look out if the temperature spikes. I personally would replace it, But then again I work for the military industrial complex and I'm really good at spending other peoples money

 

[Mabin]

Thanks for the help! Also one more thing. If the heat doesn't spike in a week will it be 100% fine? Or should I keep an eye on it forever?

 

[MikeG14]

I can't really answer that. It's good practice to check your temperature at least once a day. Just to make sure everything is operating correctly and that a plug wasn't left out accidentally during a water change.

I use big digital thermometers so I can't help but check my temperatures several times a day.