I have no idea, but if anything weird happens with any of my heaters I unplug them and remove them asap and get a new one. Better safe then sorry.
I'm going to do that too--I've got a spare Marina heater, but it's not good at keeping the temperature up unfortunately. Knew I should have just bought a second Fluval (have never had problems with Fluval heaters.)I have no idea, but if anything weird happens with any of my heaters I unplug them and remove them asap and get a new one. Better safe then sorry.
Hi,I had that happen too with one of my new Elite heaters. I simply wiped it off and never had the problem again. I seriously doubt they would put anything unsafe for aquatic life on the heater. It's a very popular heater, so I'm sure it would have come up in discussion if it was bad for the health of our fish.
Judging by the replies, it's a harmless mystery substance. It felt like petroleum jelly when I touched it, but I do't know what petroleum jelly would be doing in there.Hope it's nothing! I just ordered four of these!
I have been keeping a very close eye on Ptolemy. He's his normal, inquisitive, always hungry, grumpy self. Thanks for replying.I have read about this before. I currently have one of these heaters, and have had it for about a year now. I have never read about them killing a fish, despite the weird substance. So you should be good.![]()
Hi nel3. I think Hagen are fibbing about the mineral residue. I'm waiting to see their reply to Bastage:thats good to hear its mineral residue, 2/3 of mine have that. the 3rd is a new heater for my CT the other 2 ive had ever since i purchased them. i'll wipe it off tommorow after shutting the heater off to do so.
My Otto Catfish ate the substance. Picked it clean off & there no worse for the wear. I Would suspect that the substance is probably wax of some sort meant to keep that O Ring from drying out before it is purchased & after it has been submerged for a while seeps out.
I Also sent Hagen a picture of the substance so we will see if I get the same response back.
be it what it may, i havent seen my 3 betta go crazy because it. one of them is in a 5g divided. i have to do another wc so i'll wipe it of hope it stays away.Hi nel3. I think Hagen are fibbing about the mineral residue. I'm waiting to see their reply to Bastage:
It's happening again! I guess I wiped it off too soon the first time. :roll: I just noticed a new coat of the Mystery Substance around the waterproof seal. I've got a submersible Fluval 50 watt (think it's the M series--it's the one that mirrors the colours inside the tank) for my other betta in his 3.7 gallon, and have never had any problems with it. It too always keeps the temperature spot on. I'm gonna get another one soon--I would have bought a second one instead of the Elite, but this was for a rescue betta, so it was unexpected and I didn't really have the funds, and had read good reviews for this heater. It's disappointing, and personally I think it's rubbish.I would get that heater out and get a different brand today. I would never mess with the life of my fish wondering if something is toxic or not. I have recent problems with heaters and am very happy with the AQUEON 50 w I bought recently. Keeps right at 80 no matter the dips in room temp which gets down to 65 at night.
HOw can something white and tacky that comes out of a heating element be good for the water quality. Makes me nervous.
I wouldn't risk it,and would send it off to them. JMO
Uh, it's happening again! I'm gonna swap it for a Fluval 50 watt asap.The substance isnt coming out of the heater element. It forms evenly over the entire surface of of rubber O-Ring/Gasket that makes the fixure water tight between the plastic head & the glass tube.
& After seeing my Otto's eat it I have no doubt that it is not toxic in any way. Otherwise I would have several dead fishies after they flat out ate it..
So they are telling me bacteria growth. That I can believe since the otto's thought it was a tasty snack.Good Morning,
I received back the following email from our expert on thesubstance on the heater.
This is bacteria growing on the heaters rubber stopper not asubstance coming out of the heater
Regards
Elaine
Rolf C. Hagen
Customer Service