Water Heater Suggestions

[Uncle Albert]

I have a 29 gallon tank for about 5 years now ... seems that the heater that's in there now no longer works correctly .... sometimes it gets a bit past the red zone (thermometer) and I unplug it; then have to watch that it does not go too low; then plug it back in again. *DRUMMER*

Anyways, I'm wondering what brands/wattage forum members suggest? Someone suggested that there be 2 in there (one on each side)?

I currently have 5 black skirt tetras and 1 algae eater (long and thin), don't know the name offhand.

All suggestions welcome. *celebrate

UA

 

[prsturm]

Do not buy Hydor Theo heaters. All of their thermometers are way off and will heat your aquarium to 85+ in no time flat. That's my two cents.

 

[ryanoh]

I'm not that informed on brands, but agree with whoever said get two. I currently only have one , and I have some issues heating certain parts of my tank.

 

[achase]

Could your issues possibly be caused by not having a powerful enough heater for the size of your tank or not having enough current to move the water around? I know several people on this forum place their heater near the filter to move the water around the tank.
Although I don't really know what it's like heating something as big as a 40 gallon tank never had anything bigger than a 20 gallon.

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

I always use two. But you could use one 1 150W, but I would use 2 100W on either end of the tank. I like Mainland stealth heaters.

 

[OrangeCones]

I use 200watt heaters in my 29gallon tanks. I also like the Stealths. I think all of mine are Stealths except 1 or 2. I agree that water movement may be an issue too, if the tank is not heating evenly. What sized heater is it that is failing?

 

[riseabovethesun]

I like these heaters: Fluval "E" Electronic Heater - 50W | Aquarium Heaters | Fish Tank Heaters | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com but they are pricey. I've heard mostly good from them, I want to get one myself, but am not going to spend money if mine already works.

I like those because it has the temperature on it digitally and will go (i believe) red for too hot, blue for too cold, and green for just right. Although, with these ones I imagine you can't exactly try and hide it since you need to be able to read it...

And I also have no issue with my heater, it's just the generic brand walmart and Petco both sell, that is around 15-25 bucks, it works really well but I found out it isn't submersible past a certain point or at least it is what it suggests. Because I was going to place it horizontally but can't. But yeah, it works just fine and keeps my tank at a constant 76-78 degrees, I do have a lot of current in my tank, lots lots.

 

[Thyra]

Okay, as long as the discussion on heaters continues I would like to know if the non-submersible ones are dangerous if they get into the water? I have a used one that came with the tank and I would use it just to get the tank started, but I have been afraid to plug it in & have it slid down into the tank and get electrocuted. I have one ordered but it won't be here until next week.

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

If it does slide down, unplug it let it dry then start over.