Can water changes damage a heater?

[thewarning]

I have a Visi-Therm heater that has a safety shut-off that automatically shuts off when out of water and automatically restarts when back in water. I dont bother to unplug it when I do water changes. Do you think this could damage the heater?

[jpappy789]

Maybe could strain it which could cause it to wear out faster. I don't think there would be any immediate problems

[bacalao]

I've got one in the holding tank I use to age water for water changes. I run it dry all the time; no ill effects apparent yet.

[Squawkbert]

If it isn't submersible, toss it and get a Visitherm Stealth. You can lay that type across the bottom of your tank and forget it.

[tanker]

If you are constantly taking it in/out of the water there is always the possibility of the temp difference cracking the glass.

[uglyfido]

I would be careful for sure. I had a non-submersible heater on a 55 and when I started filling it back up after a water change, the heater EXPLODED. Needless to say, i had quite the mess to clean. I had to learn the hard way, hopefully you don't.