Heating problems

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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dolo

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Oct 25, 2011
28
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0
MD
Hey guys

I have a 55 gallon tank and I am having heating issues. I have a heater that is for a 60 gallon tank and I have it set for 86 degrees. I do not know the wattage, but if that is needed I can get let you all know when I get off work. I don't know if this has anything to do with it but the heat in the house is set to 70 degrees and the tank is not by the vent or any windows. I was thinking of getting another heater but I first wanted to ask you guys. So any help would be great.

P.s. the heater in directly in the middle of the tank.
 
Hello; Hard to follow just what the problem is. Are you wanting to find out if the heater works?
I test a heater by unpluging and taking it out of a tank. Be careful, because if it is working there can be enough residual heat in the heater to melt things or burn you. Have a heat resistant surface or container to place it. If it is cold I will find an outlet in a handy place to plug it in. I then adjust on the thremostat to see if it will come on. It might be wise to have at least one heavy glove on. If working it will get very hot quickly. As soon as it shows heat unplug it. It will be too hot to put back into the tank for a while as the glass can break from thermal shock. Lay it aside untill it cools down to room temp.
If it is working then it may not be strong enough or some problem with the thermostat.
I like to run two smaller heaters in a tank the size of yours. That way if one fails then you are less likely to overheat or to become too cool.
 
Im sorry for little info. but the light to the heater lights up, and when I took it out of the tank it was getting warm. Do you think that I just need another heater?
 
tank heaters make me nervous in general :( just sayin lol
 
What is the desired temp? If you actually want 86 you probably need a bigger heater. Most recommended tanks sizes are on the low end of desired watts/gallon and to raise tank temp more than 10 degrees above room temp is a lot of work.
 
^ i agree with this guy
 
the best bet, i think, is to use multiple heaters on a temp controller. in your case probable 2 heaters.
i agree that if you want 86 you will need to step up the wattage of your heater/heaters.
 
dolo said:
Im sorry for little info. but the light to the heater lights up, and when I took it out of the tank it was getting warm. Do you think that I just need another heater?
Click to expand...

Hello; This sounds right. Add a second to the setup.
 
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