heating

[steve40]

is it common for a heaters thermostat to go out of wack. my temperature fluctuates from about 81 degrees to 75 degrees from the morning into the night. is this a potential problem?

 

[angelofdeath132]

don't think temp is supposed to fluctuate that much,should only vary a couple degrees at the most. is the heater big enough for the tank?

 

[steve40]

It is made for a bigger tank I believe. Im not sure of what wattage it is or anything, but I know that it is big enough cause i have the same kinda on my 125. but I never really paid much attention to fluctuations until i got an electronic thermometer and realized the flucs

 

[slick]

I would go buy a new heater. You can get them cheap. That way you know you have the right size for the tank.

 

[majakarot]

i have had heaters do this when they get old, one time i had a heater stick on all night and when i woke up my tank was 90!! i removed it and the tank slowly dropped back down, the miracle was that i did not lose a single fish (FO at that point...luckily)
ps...i found the best heater for the dollar is ebo jager (IMO)

 

[steve40]

hmm
it is a pretty old heater
does that type of fluctuation make that much difference, id rather prolong the purchase of a new heater because i would like to make sure that heater is done before i get rid of it. I dont want to just discard an old heater because of something that is not all that harmful you know

 

[mr . salty]

This is not a good idea!!!
Leaving a faulty heater in the tank just because you think it has a few more days of life left is gambling with your tanks life..
If it sticks in the ON position,your tank can/willoverheat in a matter of hours killing everything in it.Including the nitrafying bacteria...Or if it decides to melt down your tanks death can be instant.
This means starting over COMPLEATLY...
Play it safe/smart and buy a new heater.....

 

[steve40]

good point

 

[simm]

My tank fluctuated for a couple of days and before I knew it ICK!!!!!

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by STEVE40
hmm
it is a pretty old heater
does that type of fluctuation make that much difference, id rather prolong the purchase of a new heater because i would like to make sure that heater is done before i get rid of it. I dont want to just discard an old heater because of something that is not all that harmful you know
IMO a temp that varies should be avioded at all costs.