|
|
Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 8, 2009 7:05:56 GMT -6
I woke up this morning about 30 minutes ago (see time posted), and heard the heater in my 26g "click" on then immediately "click" back off. I looked at my thermometers and noticed that the water temp is getting close to 70F! When I looked at the contact points for the switch (they are visible in this Top Fin model), I noticed a green electrical arc at the points. One mistake I made yesterday during a 60% water change was that I forgot to unplug the heater. Oops!  I now have the thermostat for the apartment set at 74 degrees, hoping the room temp will slowly heat up the aquarium, but I must buy a heater ASAP. Most pet stores don't open until 9am and Critter opens at noon on Sundays. So here's my question: Has anyone used the Tetra heaters sold by Wally World that are "rated" for 10-30 gallon tanks? They are 100 watt and fully submersible. My thinking is to mount it at the bottom rear, in a horizontal fashion. Will this be OK for the next week until I can get my 29-gallon tank setup? Going to make some coffee while I wait for responses, or just break down and run to Wally World. |
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 7:25:36 GMT -6
It should be fine for the short term. I have a few cheap ones I watch like a hawk for overheating but they're not the submersibles so they're even more dangerous. Have forgotten many times to turn the heater off and had it break--usually find out when I get a zap sticking my hand in the water!
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 7:27:52 GMT -6
Joe(Sirknight) gave me a valuable tip. You can get temperature controllers with a probe, and plug your heaters into them. Then you can even run two. And if they fail and the temp goes higher or lower they'll sound an alarm and they turn the heater off if it gets too warm. I have just one on the tropheus tank, as they're pricey, but it's peace of mind I can't do without. The best of them are like $75, but you can get a cheaper version on eBay for around $35 and they work.
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 7:35:13 GMT -6
You know, PetSmart sells a nice heater. It's a Theo Hydor. We've got several and no trouble out of them.
|
|
|
|
Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 8, 2009 7:53:23 GMT -6
Thanks for the tip! I may look into the Theo - a little over an hour before the Smyrna PetSmart opens! An update on my temps: bottom water is at 72F and top water looks to be about 73 (using a stick-on thermometer there) - the reading at the top is showing 72 and 74. However, the colder temp is helping with the dissolved gas content (from what I've read). No one seems overstressed so far!  |
|
|
|
Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 8, 2009 7:58:39 GMT -6
Have forgotten many times to turn the heater off and had it break--usually find out when I get a zap sticking my hand in the water! Ouch!!! I know the feeling. Throughout my days of tinkering with electronics and engines, I've been zapped by direct 110v AC, a 20,000v ignition coil, a tube TV (another 20K+ volts!), and a couple guitar amplifiers. The ignition coil was the best, though. I had a bad wire on an old '79-model Ford pickup and was trying to get the timing just right. The wire going from the coil to the distributor had a break in the insulation. One hand was on the top of the distributor, the other on the body (ground), then, all of a sudden... ZAP!!! I think I jumped back about 10 feet from the truck! ;D |
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 8:27:22 GMT -6
I'd think if it doesn't drop below 70 they're in no danger. Just maybe a little chilly.
You're lucky to have no longterm damage from that zap! I'm best staying away from the electrical things. Booksmart but not much common sense.
|
|
|
|
Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 8, 2009 8:47:28 GMT -6
When it comes to being electrocuted, it's the amperage, not voltage, that kills. Anything over 7 milliamps will stop your heart. That's why stun guns aren't lethal at 20K and more volts. But I do have random muscle twitches/ticks in different parts of my body - very random, about once a month and they only last a few minutes.  Anywho, I'm off to PetSmart! |
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 9:03:16 GMT -6
Better you than me! I always leave there broke! But with a load of stuff I may or may not need.
|
|
|
|
Post by jon carman on Nov 8, 2009 17:35:33 GMT -6
go to big als and save some $$$
|
|
jhayes6405
FORUM PARTICIPANT
sand washer extraordinaire
Posts: 79
|
Post by jhayes6405 on Nov 8, 2009 20:21:37 GMT -6
I have the Theo Hydor. It runs a bit hot though. I have it set to 78 and my water is 83! The temp is constant, and I see it flick on and off everyday, so I'm not too concerned. Better too warm then too cold.
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 20:45:23 GMT -6
I set mine under what I actually want it to be too. Maybe they're not calibrated correctly, but at least they are consistent and they don't break easily. I like that!
|
|
|
|
Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 8, 2009 22:04:29 GMT -6
I went ahead and got one from the new PetSmart @ 100 Oaks. After looking at BigAl's site, the price was about the same for a 100-watt Hydor Theo counting shipping.
As for online shops, I like PetSolutions.com. They have the best prices I've ever found. I got a HOT Mag 250 w/ Biowheel for $84 shipped where Critter was asking $111 before tax!
|
|
angel
FORUM BEGINNER
My Husband's A Birdbrain
Posts: 40
|
Post by angel on Nov 8, 2009 22:33:23 GMT -6
Good deal!
|
|
|
|
Post by jeremyh81 on Nov 9, 2009 6:32:52 GMT -6
I'm also noticing that the Theo isn't calibrated correctly. I have mine set at 75 and the water temp is now 78 top and bottom.
|
|
