3 Gallon Setup Log (lots of pics)

bigehugedome

Well as you can see in the photo, that white block looks like it is the power supply and or ballast for the light, which seems kinda hot to the touch when it is on. This white block sits next tro the pump on an elevated piece of plastic near the top left of the second pic. The plastic does not touch the water line. So im not sure the issue. Sorry the pics are not great so I dont know how much sense i am making.

I am using a tetra 2-15 gallon heater that is non adjustable. it is supposed to stay between 76-80. I have not seen it on yet since it heated the water when i first filled the tank. The same type is keeping a 5 gallon at 79 degrees so i guess it makes sense for this smaller tank to be warmer. Now that i look at a temp indoors its about 76 in here, so I could do with out the heater for now and keep an eye on things.

I also dont know exactly what temp it is getting with the lights off cause i forgot to look this morning, but since i proped the hood open a bit and turned the lights off an hour and a half ago the temp dropped 2-3 degrees. :(

bigehugedome

I just assumed when the lights are on its enough to heat the water to 84 and when they are off it proably goes down to 78-80 since the heater should keep it there. My apartment is about 74-76.
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bigehugedome

I just assumed when the lights are on its enough to heat the water to 84 and when they are off it proably goes down to 78-80 since the heater should keep it there. My apartment is about 74-76.
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GwenInNM

Appears that acceptable temps for RCS, can range from 65 to 80 degrees. You may be better off not having a heater, and keeping an eye on the temp in the tank, without it. You do have a thermometer, right?

Gwen

bigehugedome

Yes I have a thermometer. I will leave the lights and heater off tonight and check temps in the morning. Then I'll leave the heater off all day with the lights on and check the temp after work. Temp is still at 82 so maybe it is The pump. I can't find anything online about this model tank so I'm not sure.
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MinaMinaMina

That's not normal.

I have this same tank. I use a Tetra heater (preset to 78F +/- 2 degrees) for 2 to 15 gallons. My temp on that tank stays in that range, almost always 78 degrees.

There's something wrong. You'll have to experiment to see if the problem is the heater, light, or filter... but something is DEF not functioning normally.

MinaMinaMina

Also, make sure that the heater's bracket (that attaches the heater to the suction cup) is not covering the indicator light. This can easily happen, and make it seem like the heater isn't on when it really is.

bigehugedome

With the heater unplugged and lights off overnight, temp is still at 80, so I guess this has something to do with the filter pump. I'll leave the lights on and heater unplugged today to see what the temp goes to when I get home from work.

I do have a cut filter in the filter output do it slows the water flow down. I kinda thought it was too strong. This raises the water level slightly in the bio wheel chamber put the pump is still running at normal speed so that shouldn't be causing over heating.

The suction cup is not covering the heater light so I know it's not on all the time.
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bigehugedome

I worked from home today and the tank stayed steady with the lights on and heater unplugged. So 80 degrees without the heater and 84 with it.

This still seems strange to me as the room temp is about 76 and my other tanks are all 78 with their heaters. It must be the pump. I'll lower water level tomorrow so the pump is not in the water just to see what happens. Unfortunately the tank will look horrible with the lowered water line. So it's a loose loose situation
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MinaMinaMina

I'd call the manufacturer's help line, see if that have any feedback. Or, if the filter/pump in in warranty, you may get a new one free. Worth a shot!