Problem with aqueon heater

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CarpCharacin

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Probation Member
Sep 20, 2014
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Salt Lake City
As some of you may remember, I was having some problems with an aqueon brand heater I got for my 20 gallon. There was condensation inside of the heater and now that is back and the heating wire looks almost corroded. It also looks like there might be hard water deposits inside of the glass. I know it isn't on the outside. What should I do? Should I do what pops pops suggested and not worry about it until the fish are jumping like there is a cattle prod up their anus?
 
As some of you may remember, I was having some problems with an aqueon brand heater I got for my 20 gallon. There was condensation inside of the heater and now that is back and the heating wire looks almost corroded. It also looks like there might be hard water deposits inside of the glass. I know it isn't on the outside. What should I do? Should I do what pops pops suggested and not worry about it until the fish are jumping like there is a cattle prod up their anus?
I don't have that brand of heater, but I do have silver dollars and have to replace my heaters at least once a year where they smash them.

When I say "smash" I don't mean glass and elements a though the tank, they literally snap the glass in half while the element holds it all together.

I've had snapped heaters in my tanks for up to 24hrs before seeing it and taking it out and my fish haven't been (noticeably) bothered by it.

If I ever noticed the wires inside the heater corroding my first thought would be "fire hazard" and I'd take it out. Idk if it would be a fire hazard or not, but my house burning down is something I don't like thinking about. So I'd remove it.

That being said I don't have half of the experience or knowledge of some of the guys on here so I'd probably listen to them over me.

Disclaimer: I do not know everything, nor do I claim to. Always do your own research and always cross reference! :)
 
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grab the thing while its wet and on in the tank pull it out of the water, with your bare hand, if it warms up IE gets hot in your hand and you do not get a mild shock put it back in the water, if it does not, or you get a mild shock, throw it away.
 
But? best option?, if you do not trust it do not use it, get another one.
 
I would contact the manufacturer. I believe Aqueon may have a lifetime warranty on their heaters. Worth checking into.
 
This is the second one. I returned the first one for the same problem and I got this one. It is the same exact kind.
If this is the second one that's done it I suggest seeing if you can get your money back and just steering clear of heaters made by that company, idk if its a good company or not but if this is the second failure of this nature I'd ditch it and find another heater..

A lot of brands down here have two or three different heaters; usually they have a cheap one, a mid range one and an expensive one, all under the same brand name.

If you like the brand maybe try to find another heater by that company that isn't the kind you have now?
 
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