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More dumb heater questions

3K views 20 replies 5 participants last post by  aspects 
#1 ·
Since I've never had heaters before, I want to make sure I know how to properly install a heater. I don't want to get electrocuted! lol I got a 25 watt Stealth visitherm and it says fully submersible. So, I submerse even the part with the temp control thing , right? ? Is it better to lay it on the bottom of the tank or hang it on the side with the suction cups? I have glass gems in my tank. Thanks to anyone answering my dumb questions. lol
 
#4 ·
if you keep it horizontal on the bottom of your tank, you dont need to unplug it during WC. in fact, its best you dont. if you keep it upright in the tank, and your WC will go lower then the heater is , then you want to unplug it. you just dont want the heater to run dry.
 
#8 ·
Agreed! As long as heater is under water, no need for unplugging. IMO, constant plugging and unplugging may shorten its life. I usually placed it horizontally so that heat can be distributed better in the tank. The way heater is built is that thermostat is right above the heating elements. Thus when placed vetically,heat rising can affect the thermostat before heat is properly distributed (constant on/off).
When horizontally positioned, heat from elements will rise w/o affecting thermostat too much thus heat is properly distributed.
 
#9 ·
indeed. not to mention, keeping it plugged in during WC will reduce the stress on the fish if the water youre introducing to the tank might be colder then the water already in there, and speeds up the time to get it back to temp as you dont have to wait for the heater to startup again
 
#11 ·
Yes, can position in angle. sunction cup should stick to acrylic as esily on glass as long as clean surface.
Long time ago before submersible heaters were available, i used to use one that clips on the rim. I have broken few heater cause did not unplug and also fish came down w/ cold when i forget to plug the heater after the water changes.
 
#18 ·
I think the manufacturers say to unplug the heater during maintenance for safety reasons...so you don't get shocked if the heater shorts out while you have your hands in the tank.
 
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