What the [bleep] is with my heaters?!!!

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo

Steveo McNello

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Dec 30, 2010
2,009
2
53
SW Burbs of Chicago
20 Gallon long tank.

2 50 watt heaters set at 85.

My water does not get above 81.9.



AAAHHHHH!!!! Jesus H Christ this is obnoxious.
 
What kind of thermometer are you using to verify the water temperature?

I have NOT had accurate results with stick-on or digital w/probe style aquarium thermometers.
 
It's a digital. 13 bucks at petsmart. But the other two I have say the same thing. And I can feel it too, the water is NOT 85.
 
What type of heater? I use an analog thermometer and adjust heater to match, don't care what heater is set at. I use jagers that let you "calibrate" the heater temperature dial.
 
What type of heater? I use an analog thermometer and adjust heater to match, don't care what heater is set at. I use jagers that let you "calibrate" the heater temperature dial.

Not sure what you mean by that. I just don't understand why 100w of 85 degrees is not budging 20 gallons...
 
by calibrate you can set what the temperature is showing on the heater to what the temperature actually is. for example if the water is 81 and you have it set on 85, you can pick up the dial and set it to 81 without changing the temperature so you have an accurate reading and it is not showing 85 when your actually at 81. i use two jagers also and they are very accurate.
 
What kind of water movement do you have in the tank?
 
by calibrate you can set what the temperature is showing on the heater to what the temperature actually is. for example if the water is 81 and you have it set on 85, you can pick up the dial and set it to 81 without changing the temperature so you have an accurate reading and it is not showing 85 when your actually at 81. i use two jagers also and they are very accurate.

Yes, what I am saying is the heater thermostat is probably wrong, unless your heaters are on 24/7 indicating that 100w is not enough for your desired temperature.
 
by calibrate you can set what the temperature is showing on the heater to what the temperature actually is. for example if the water is 81 and you have it set on 85, you can pick up the dial and set it to 81 without changing the temperature so you have an accurate reading and it is not showing 85 when your actually at 81. i use two jagers also and they are very accurate.

OOhhh I understand now. My heaters have the dial to pick what temp I want, but no calibration to my knowledge. These are my heaters.

IMG_4927.JPG
 
I have a HOB pouring in and an airstone for movement. And the wattage should be plenty to get the temp that high, which is why im ticked off.
 
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