An aquarium heater can help you maintain a stable water temperature in your aquarium. So, how to use an aquarium heater?
To use an aquarium heater for heating the fish tank water, you need to place it either on the sides of the aquarium or at the back of the aquarium. Ideally, you should place the heater close to the air pump or near the filter outlet where there’s maximum water flow to ensure even heat distribution.
Let’s now understand how to use different aquarium heaters for maintaining the health of your aquarium.
How To Use Top Fin Aquarium Heater?
The Top Fin aquarium heater is one of the most reliable aquarium heaters available in the market today.
With its powerful performance, high efficiency, and great value for the price, it’s an excellent choice for many aquarists looking for a dependable heater.
Given below are the steps to use the Top Fin aquarium heater:
- You can fix the Top Fin heater to the aquarium glass using the two suction cups that come along with this heater.
- This is a submersible heater, which means it must be completely submerged in the water to operate. Although the heater is made up of shatter-resistant quartz glass, it shouldn’t touch the glass, rocks, or other surfaces inside the tank.
- The heater comes with a preset temperature of 78°F. However, you can easily reset the temperature according to your aquarium needs.
- It features a double-layer design that ensures even heat distribution throughout the tank. However, it’s ideal to keep the heater near the air pump or filter’s flow to facilitate even heat distribution.
- Allow the heater 10 to 15 minutes to acclimate to the water conditions before turning on the heater.
- Once the heater has reached the desired temperature, the heater will turn off automatically. So you don’t have to worry if you forget to turn it off.
- Finally, use an independent thermometer to check the water temperature. It’s best not to rely only on the heater’s thermostat.
Recommended Further Reading:
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How To Use Marineland Aquarium Heater?
Marineland Aquarium Heater is safe, accurate, and reliable for heating freshwater or saltwater aquariums.
The Marineland heater includes a mounting bracket that can securely attach to the aquarium glass.
It’s user-friendly and comes with features that accurately control the aquarium temperature.
Below are the steps to use Marineland aquarium heater:
- Fix the suction cups that come along with the heater to the double suction mounting bracket.
- Now, set the heater at the desired temperature and slide the bracket over the heater. The three-position viewing window allows you to see the temperature settings from three different angles.
- Place the heater in the aquarium by pressing suction cups against the aquarium wall so that it firmly holds the glass surface. Ensure that you choose a location that has adequate water circulation to facilitate even heat distribution.
- It’s best to wait at least 15 minutes before plugging in the heater. This will allow the heater to acclimate. Don’t start the heater immediately after inserting it in the water, as it can crack the glass and heater.
- You will immediately see the light glowing after turning on the heater. This is an indication that the heater has started heating the water.
- Once the temperature in the water reaches the desired level, the heater will automatically turn off. It will again turn on once the temperature drops.
It’s recommended to cover your tank to prevent heat loss.
Leaving the tank uncovered will increase pressure on the heater and inflate your electricity consumption.
Also, temperature variation can be hazardous for the aquarium inhabitants.
How To Use Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater?
You can use the Orlushy submersible aquarium heater to maintain a constant temperature in your aquarium.
In addition, the submersible heater will keep the water at a specific temperature, which would prevent any bacteria growth or algae bloom.
So it can also assist in maintaining the health and hygiene of your aquarium.
Below are the steps to use the Orlushy submersible aquarium heater:
- Start by setting the water temperature on the temperature dial control knob located on the top of the heater.
- Place the submersible heater inside the aquarium water. It’s necessary to submerge the heater entirely in the water to avoid damage by overheating.
- To facilitate even heat distribution, ensure that the heater doesn’t touch the glass, ornaments, or substrate inside the aquarium. In addition, it must be surrounded by water to avoid the formation of hotspots.
- The heater should be positioned as close to the filter as possible. Ensure that the output water flow from the filter is thoroughly mixed and keeps moving constantly. It lets the hot water flow through the entire tank, so the temperature is even throughout.
- For installation, you must place an aquarium heater in the tank for at least 30 minutes before powering it up. Doing so gives the new heater ample time to get used to the surrounding water temperature.
- Most heaters have an indicator light integrated into the unit to know when the heater is running. If the light goes out, the heater turns off so that the temperature doesn’t go above the desired level.
- Finally, you must never rely solely on the heater’s self-calibration. You must always check its accuracy using an independent thermometer. Regularly checking the temperature of the aquarium water is crucial for maintaining its health.
Related Further Reading:
- Why To Clean Aquarium Gravel? [How To Clean It Effectively?]
- Why Does Aquarium Glass Turns Green? [Removal + Prevention]
- Do Fish Need Light At Night? [Why Not + When It’s Needed?]
How To Use SOBO Aquarium Heater?
SOBO aquarium heater is another excellent device that keeps the water in your aquarium warm.
It’s compact, completely submersible, and has easy and precise settings.
Given below are the steps to use the SOBO aquarium heater:
- Start by fixing the two suction cups on the heater, one each at the top and bottom of the rod.
- Now, set the heater at the desired temperature by turning the control knob on the thermostat.
- Before using it, be sure to fill the tank and submerge it fully into the aquarium water in a horizontal, vertical, or slanting position. Don’t use the heater outside the water.
- Ensure that the bottom end of the heater doesn’t sit directly against any substrate such as gravel, sand, rocks, or anything else that can get damaged.
- Place the heater in the aquarium by pressing the suction cups against the aquarium glass surface. The location should ensure that the hot water circulates throughout the tank to facilitate even heat distribution.
- Although not recommended, but as a best practice, place the heater in the water for a few minutes before starting the heater. This will let the heater acclimate to the water conditions.
- Now, turn on the heater. You will immediately see the light glowing. This indicates that the heater has started heating the water.
- Once the temperature in the water reaches the desired level, it will automatically turn off. It will once again turn on when the temperature drops. It’s best not to rely only on the heater’s thermostat. Use an independent thermometer to check the temperature of the aquarium water.
How To Check If The Aquarium Heater Is Working?
To maintain the health of the aquarium, you must ensure that the aquarium heater is working efficiently.
Unfortunately, most aquarists make the common mistake of assuming that the water heater always works fine.
Here are some ways to determine if the aquarium heater is working fine.
1. Perform Bucket Test
Using a bucket to test if the heater is working is the best option when installing a new heater in your aquarium.
Fill up the bucket halfway with tap water. Record the water temperature before placing the heater inside the water.
Next, set the desired temperature, plug the heater, and turn it on. You can now leave it for 24 hours for the water to heat.
After 24 hours, take the heater out and check the water temperature with an independent thermometer.
If the water temperature matches the preset temperature, then the heater is working as required.
However, please note that the bucket test is not an option for in-line or substrate heaters.
In both these cases, you will have to install it inside the aquarium and check the results.
2. Use Independent Thermometer
Set the desired temperature on the heater before placing it inside the aquarium.
Next, record the current temperature using an independent thermometer.
Plug the heater and turn it on for the tank water to heat up.
You can leave the heater on for the next 24 hours to heat the water.
It will turn off automatically once the water temperature reaches the preset temperature.
After 24 hours, you can take the new reading using an independent thermometer.
If the temperature reading matches your set temperature, you can safely conclude the heater is heating the aquarium water efficiently.
Interesting Further Reading:
- Does Aquarium Driftwood Rot? (Which Driftwood Doesn’t Rot?)
- Fish That Look Like Rocks (Complete List With Pictures)
- Can You Glue Aquarium Rocks Together? (How To Do It Properly?)
3. Test With Hands
Another way to check if the heater is working fine is by inserting your hands to see if the water temperature has changed.
First, unplug the heater or at least turn off the electricity.
Then, glide your hand throughout the tank to check if the water is heated evenly.
However, this is not the best option to determine the exact temperature.
In addition, there is a risk of accidentally touching the heater’s exterior while gliding your hand through the water.
