2 heater questions

[NJ Devils Fan]

Do you think that the heater works more efficently horizontally or vertically.

Is ther any point in getting those heater guards?

[Gumby7]

IMO horizontal is better.

The thermostat isn't in the heated water column directly above the element. This should reduce cycling (where the heater comes on, heats the thermostat and shuts off repeatedly).

If placed low in the tank, it is less likely to be exposed while on when doing a partial water change.

Both of these should prolong the life of the heater.

You only need guards if you have tank buster fish.

Gumby

[Tyler718]

I place mine horizontal and about 2" of the bottom of the tank. It so they are lower in the water column and the heat is spread out evenly. Also it makes them easier to hide from view.

[thom336]

it is best to have a heater diagonally, and in the flow of the filter. this ensures that the heat is spread out evenly around the tank.

[gcvt]

I run all of mine horizontally too and have never had a problem. Makes it easier to hide them behind decorations too.

[JeffP]

I run mine vertically with the heating element next to the filter intake. The filter intake does a nice job of distributing hot water.

[Anaxus]

I have a proquatics 200 watt Hydromatic heater. There is a marking at the top labeled water level. I have it vertically where the water is at the water level. Could I place it horizontally in the tank, and it would be ok?

[NJ Devils Fan]

Unless a heater is submersible, you cannot put the whole thing in the water. I don't think yours is submersible.

[Anaxus]

Mine is verticle and it seems to heat evenly. The heater is on the right side of the tank and the thermometer is in the middle of the tank on the oposite side and is only 1 degree cooler then what the heater is set on.

[beviking]

If there is a better way, I think horizontally is better. I've always had mine vertically next to the intake though and never (2+ years:) ) had a problem.