Left heater on for 5 min outside of water, might it be okay?

Levgre

It was my first time setting up an aquarium, I didn't think the heater would start up by only plugging it in, I thought I'd have to switch it on too.

So it was left on for about 5 minutes, I noticed that the water on it was boiling (I had rinsed it)... when I touched it, the bottom was hot enough that I reflexively jerked away, but not hot enough to burn my skin too quick.

Besides the bottom, the heater did not seem to be that hot.

Could it still be okay? Is there a good way to check?

It is a 50watt, apparently it was on high, when packaged. They should have it on low temp, by default :/

DragonFish

I don't see a reason why it shouldn't be alright but just an accidental plug in outside of the water for a few minutes

IonBaller07

Yah it should be fine, I think the reason they say to not turn it on outside water is because it will break the heater and it wont work. If it still works I say go ahead and use it, just put a thermometer in your tank in case it broke its temerature regulating system somehow.

Tyyrlym

I'd keep a close eye on it for the next few days. That'll tell you just about anything you need to know.

SinCrisis

most new heaters have an auto shutoff when its out of the water. As tyyrlym said, keep an eye on it but as long as it did not crack, it should be fine.