Heater question....

[noodles62]

I have a Stealth heater on my 20 long, can't remember the watts but it's whatever is rated+ for the tank size....I was doing a water change tonite and did not turn everything off :headshake2:; only the filter - the water level got low and the heater started smoking. There is a little algae on it and I am thinking/hoping that is what was smoking - but do you think my heater is fried?!?!!?!?

 

[rocker92]

could be try puting it in a big glass of water and turn it on and see what happens.

 

[SuBXeRo]

ahaha wow, this is weird i did this 2 nights ago, the girl at the petstore did it the same night i did and now you, wow, dodoododododo. I didnt reuse mine, i heard crackling and some smoking, and well, plain and simlpe, i dont trust it now. Choice is up to you, test it in a bucket like said above and if you feel confident enough in it, use it again.

 

[noodles62]

Well, I yanked it out...it had blisters on it and I do not trust it. There goes $20+ down the tubes! :wall: Stupid, stupid, stupid!!! :wall:

Listen and learn, youngins..."Always unplug your heater when doing tank maintenance!"

 

[dirtydawg10]

The stealth heaters have a safety shut-off for when they are out of the water and they automatically come back on when submerged. This is something I would contact the manufacturer about if I was you.

 

[noodles62]

Very helpful info, dawg! Thanks. I will look into it cause the safety certainly did not work tonite! I just hope my shrimp will be ok for a day or 2, but hubby keeps the house inhumanely warm, so I think they should be ok.....

 

[dirtydawg10]

Here's what it says on the box...


Visi-Therm Stealth Heater

* Submersible aquarium heater combines style with reliable performance * Durable, shatterproof heater construction with "stealth" design * Accurately maintains aquarium water temperature within 1° Fahrenheit

Sleek, inconspicuous aquarium heater design incorporates accurate, shatterproof performance. Reinforced plastic casing protects the components against thermal and mechanical shock to eliminate shattering. Shuts off automatically when out of water; restarts automatically when in water. Fully submersible. Temperature select dial and aluminum cylinder distribute core heat evenly and efficiently with ±1.0°F accuracy. Easy to set and install. UL-Listed.

 

[noodles62]

Well, I tested it today and they LIE! I am going back to the LFS Friday for a new AC filter and I think I will take the heater with me........

 

[dirtydawg10]

Definitely check it out and let us know what they say.

 

[noodles62]

I will... thanks Dawg.