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Jason_S

Jason_S

Polypterus
MFK Member
Oct 5, 2005
3,708
228
96
Indianapolis, IN USA
I just had a heater explode in my 125. I got 2 new stealth heaters that are supposed to turn off if they come out of the water. I was doing a water change yesterday and the water level went lower than I'd planned because i walked out of the room for a few minutes and one fo these heaters were exposed to the air for a few moments. It started smoking and I quickly pushed it below the water line.


After that I kept hearing a hissing sound but couldn't figure out what it was and didn't put 2 and 2 together to realize it was the heater. I suspect that that being out of the water cracked the outer case and water was slowly leaking inside the heater and today, just a moment ago it exploded. Was like a small mushroom cloud inside the tank and it sounded like a freaking gunshot.

Fortunately it didn't damage the tank glass and none of the fish were close to it so nothing else was damaged. However what do I need to worry about in regards to the water? Could this leak anything into the water that would be toxic to the fish? Do I need to remove them right away, do a huge water change? I've never had anything like this happen and could use some input.

Thanks in advance.
 
Was this a Stealth Pro? If so, was the lot # on the heater O1H31, or 01G31?

A large water change & carbon would be a good idea.

You might also want to read this:
http://forums.*****************.org/showthread.php?t=5473


HTH
 
No you should be fine.Of course take the heater out and any other glass you could find from it since this could potentially cut your fish but it has happened to most of us at one time from Monster fish breaking them etc.If you noticed no sudden death you should be in the clear.When they used to break in the old days they would cause a fish fry.Also add carbon just in case there was any chemicals used in the heater etc. just to be safe and water changes are always good as well.
 
I hope that you don't lose any fish. I remember reading about these heaters a few weeks ago. People have had the same problem of exploding heaters under this brand.
 
I had the same thing happen to me in my sump about 2 weeks ago. It never shut off and smoked like hell. I changed all the water out in the sump just in case because of the fumes and smell associated with the smoke. I didnt want any chemicals from the smoke getting into the water column.
 
You should be good with a decent water change. With what I know of how they are made, there shouldn't be anything in there that would "leak" out except for stray voltage.
 
VRWC;4762762; said:
I had the same thing happen to me in my sump about 2 weeks ago. It never shut off and smoked like hell. I changed all the water out in the sump just in case because of the fumes and smell associated with the smoke. I didnt want any chemicals from the smoke getting into the water column.
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Yeah after posting this I did a search on the forum for "heater explode" and found your thread as well as a couple others that mentioned exploding stealth heaters. I'll do the water change now and then when that's done I'll have to run out to petsmart or walmart and pick up some carbon. I don't have any on hand right now because I never use it.

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. It is much appreciated. :)
 
Pharaoh;4762773; said:
You should be good with a decent water change. With what I know of how they are made, there shouldn't be anything in there that would "leak" out except for stray voltage.
Click to expand...

Yeah the first thing I did was unplug the heater. Then I dipped the tip of my finger quickly in and out of the water to see if there was any charge but there isn't so should be good there. Now I just have to buy another dam heater. lol

Before I go back treading through the search I did, anyone care to offer up their thoughts on best submersible heater for large cichlids? I've always had good luck with ebo jager except that algae and debris sometimes gets in the dial that makes it very difficult to adjust the temp. The ones I have now I can barely change the temp on at all...though I can't really complain cause I've been using the same ones for over 10 years. :) Just thinking about going with something non-glass or something more rugged for larger ciclhids.
 
Jason_S;4762794; said:
Yeah the first thing I did was unplug the heater. Then I dipped the tip of my finger quickly in and out of the water to see if there was any charge but there isn't so should be good there. Now I just have to buy another dam heater. lol

Before I go back treading through the search I did, anyone care to offer up their thoughts on best submersible heater for large cichlids? I've always had good luck with ebo jager except that algae and debris sometimes gets in the dial that makes it very difficult to adjust the temp. The ones I have now I can barely change the temp on at all...though I can't really complain cause I've been using the same ones for over 10 years. :) Just thinking about going with something non-glass or something more rugged for larger ciclhids.
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Pm'd with a link for inexpensive heaters.
 
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