How to cichlid-proof a heater

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LogiBear

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 7, 2015
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Minnesota
So ive been talking about looking around for some fish that i like a bit more than the ones i have currently (other threads) and ive found one.

Hopefully picking it up in a day or two, i wont say what it is yet though. Its about 11 inches, male, and mean. So i need to know how i can protect my heater so it doesnt break it and electrocute itself. Could i just use a apiece of 2" PVC and put some holes in it? As lons as i put it under the filter outlet/inlet (does that matter?) it should be ok right?
 
I've heard of people using pvc, but I believe there's an issue with the temp sensor turning off prematurely due to being it being enclosed within the pvc.

I would recommend going with a titanium heater and not have to worry about temp issue or pvc slipping off
 
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You would definitely have a heating problem if you enclose the heater with anything but egg crates or something of the like. You can cut and weld together egg crates to make a cage around it, this would be a little time consuming.
 
You could put it in your sump...or buy an in line heater to run with a canister.
 
LogiBear said:
So ive been talking about looking around for some fish that i like a bit more than the ones i have currently (other threads) and ive found one.

Hopefully picking it up in a day or two, i wont say what it is yet though. Its about 11 inches, male, and mean. So i need to know how i can protect my heater so it doesnt break it and electrocute itself. Could i just use a apiece of 2" PVC and put some holes in it? As lons as i put it under the filter outlet/inlet (does that matter?) it should be ok right?
Click to expand...
Hi you can buy a heater that is already got a guard built on to it, I use them, there called Aquazonic Titan g2's I run my tank on 2 1000w modals and they have been fantastic for me, and have survived 2-3 years of my favourite big idiot crashing into them lol, they are a bit pricey mind you think I payed around £100 pounds each for mine (around $150 dollers) but like my mother says you get what you pay for,they come in two modals I think 600w and 1000w and are designed to be used with big powerful fish they also have an external digital thermostat which you can alter the temp with externally, they also have a energy saver mode when they get to temp which makes them run on half power to save money on bills, I honestly couldn't recommend them more for big fish there very well made, very sturdy, and most importantly last a very long time, because let's face it we don't want to be replacing heaters every 6 months lol
 
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o5b0rn3b said:
You would definitely have a heating problem if you enclose the heater with anything but egg crates or something of the like. You can cut and weld together egg crates to make a cage around it, this would be a little time consuming.
Click to expand...
I dont have a sump, for anyone asking.

So the heater i have now is 300w and it keeps the tank a bit above what is good even when i turn down the setting to its lowest, 68°. And when i mean it satys warm i mean warm. If i dont either leave the window open or keep a fan on (air circulation) the top few inches of water on the heaters end get to 90°. Which is why i leave both of those things open/on all thw time. So if it loses a bit of effecticeness that could be ok.

When i said pvc as a cover, i meant use a peice and drill a lot of hole in it as well as have the powerhead and filter outlet right next to it so that none of the hot water stays near it for long. I could drill a ton of holes in it so that it is protected but still has a lot of open space... Could this work?
 
Lots of suction cups, if he gets breaks it & get zapped, Hopefully he'll learn his lesson, lol, gl, He sould be fine just secure secure it tight!
 
I have done what you describe.I bought black pvc,drilled many holes in it.bottom inch of heater is exposed.top 2 inches also.i have it in the corner of my 90 gal.but the outtake from my filter is close.i have never had temperature problem in the tank
 
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