Okay, so I have gone through three heaters in the last year...different models and brands. The strange part, is these heaters are the only ones I have lost in 9 years since I started this hobby. And I really didnt know what I was doing except the last year or two. So here is my question, and forgive me if I am being ignorant, but does anyone actually unplug their heaters for water changes?? I never have, and I think technically you are supposed to, but in 8 years it was never a problem. Anyone have any thoughts??
Heaters and Water Changes
- Thread starter mjkman1
- Start date
yeah i unplug them if the water level goes down so theyre not completely submerged, otherwise they will heat up a lot, and then shatter when the water goes back in.
better to be safe than sorry, plus they aren't cheap to keep on replacing.
what do you do? Unplug?
better to be safe than sorry, plus they aren't cheap to keep on replacing.
what do you do? Unplug?
I never unplug the heater....if your heater is too many watts for the tank size it will turn off and on alot and burn out faster...I use about 2 watts per gal.
So far it sounds like I should have been unplugging them. Up until the last couple months I have done nothing with them during water changes...perhaps my water changes have gotten larger lately, thus lower water levels, thus breaking heaters. I think I have a new habit to get into, cause yeah, they aren't cheap.
Lifetime warranty on Topfins, huh? I will have to check them out. Thanks!
Lifetime warranty on Topfins, huh? I will have to check them out. Thanks!
I unplug the heaters IN my tanks at least 15 minutes before a water change and plug them back in 15 minutes after a water change.
I only unplug the EXTERNAL heaters when doing a canister filter cleaning.
BTW, I am not aware of any heater manufacturer that will warranty their product if it was misused or abused. If I had a heater failure due to my fault, I would never return it as a warranty failure.
I only unplug the EXTERNAL heaters when doing a canister filter cleaning.
BTW, I am not aware of any heater manufacturer that will warranty their product if it was misused or abused. If I had a heater failure due to my fault, I would never return it as a warranty failure.
I always unplug my Ebo Jagers. but I leave my filters going that way the new water + dechlor mixes instantly.
Yes unplug them. Their made to heat water not to heat the air. Sure they will turn off MAYBE but why risk it.