My heater blew up...

L

lbbennett

AC Members
Sep 3, 2006
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I heard a loud "POP!" from the tank. The heater glass broke and 6" of it is now lying in the bottom of the tank. The elements are exposed now. So here's my dilemma - Should I leave it in the tank to keep the fish warm and risk them getting hurt by the elements (could it shock the tank?) or should I take it out and let them get too cold (it's supposed to be really cold tonight)? It wouldn't be a problem if I could get out to the lfs soon, but it's like an hour away so I won't be able to until tomorrow or the next day. What should I do? Please respond soon! I don't want them to die!

Laura
 
unplug it and take it out IMMEDIATLEY!!! if your tank is big enough chances are your tank will maintain a good temp until tomorrow, just unplug it before it kills your fish!
 
what kind of fish are they? what do you consider cold? dont stick you rhand in there!
 
remove the filter ASAP.... and more than likely you have a bunch of black stuff floating on the top of the water.... you'll need to net that out too.... the filter isn't working while it's being exposed like that anyway and you're risking electrocutions..... how cold does your house get? I'm thinking if you can't ge to the store, you can't.... but leaving that heater in there will do more harm than good.
 
remove the filter ASAP
Click to expand...
:confused: why remove the filter when it's the heater that broke? i think perhaps you got confused doll. do NOT remove the filter but DEFINITELY DO unplug and remove the heater. get a good heater ... it's worth the extra $$.
 
I just got this mental picture of a filter exploding and carbon flying everywhere. :D

I'm with the rest, take out the heater. Aside from the electrocution aspect, I'd be worried about the fish getting cut or snagged on the exposed parts. I know my Synodontis loves the heater and tends to snuggle up to it sometimes. I would think that as long as it's not a sudden temperature drop they will be ok for a day or two.
 
Definitely unplug and remove the heater and any parts of it that are left in the tank. You can wrap the tank in a heavy blanket to help keep heat in until you can get to the store. I imagine your house won't get too cold - unless you're like my parents and walk around all winter inside the house in a coat to save on heat.
 
if you remove the filter for a day it will reduce surface heat exchange. less surface area
 
I would leave the filter running.I'm with the consensus here,unplug that heater and get it out of there,be sure to get all those glass shards out also.
 
Unplug the heater and get it out a.s.a.p.!!
What would happen to you if you were having a bath and the toaster fell in the water??
Same thing with the fish I would think.
Can't be good.
Eric
p.s. You can always do small/partial water changes as necessary
with warm dechlorinated tap water to keep the temp. from getting too low.Untill you can get out to buy another heater anyways.
This is exactly why I always have a spare heater on hand incidently.
 
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