I just set up my tank last week and I had a thermometer on the outside that read up to 82. It was always at 82 so I went and bought a floating one that suctions to the inside of the tank. For the past two days that I've had it, it has read from 86-88 and everytime I feel the water it does not even feel that close to being that warm. Do I trust the temp read, both thermometers are on opposite side of the heater and the heater is set at 79? BTW it is a 70g acrylic tank.
Not trusting temp reads...
- Thread starter FaFaFooey
- Start date
hmm
well are the heaters on? It may be that that is your room temperature, I can't imagine that though. What lighting do you have and is your aquarium near a window or something?
Hot lights could probably explain that temperature especially if the tank is getting direct sunlight.
well are the heaters on? It may be that that is your room temperature, I can't imagine that though. What lighting do you have and is your aquarium near a window or something?
Hot lights could probably explain that temperature especially if the tank is getting direct sunlight.
I've found those particular thermometers to be unrealiable. So I always try to confirm the temp with a trusted thermometer.
Also, heaters can be calibrated incorrectly (especially the cheap ones that come in kits), so that they don't turn off at the set temp.
Also, heaters can be calibrated incorrectly (especially the cheap ones that come in kits), so that they don't turn off at the set temp.
I'd also suspect that maybe your heater is a bit off. Usually I'd trust a floating thermometer over a stick on one, but a 6 degree difference seems kinda high. What sort of water flow do you have in the tank and also what sort of lighting do you have? Poor water circulation can lead to having hot spots and such.
I had the same problem with trusting a stick on thermometer(it came free with the tank). I set my heater to 78deg. when I started cycling the tank but the thermo read over 80deg. So I used my wifes digital meat/candy thermo. to verify the reading. It turns out the stick on thermo. was correct I just had to turn the heater down.
Mike
Mike
I still think it may be the lighting or in direct sunlight, unless your heaters are coming on continously. My 55 is 79-80 because I am not running my AC and have my lights on for the plants. If you have some really big lights it can get even warmer especially if in direct sunlight.
So I guess what I am saying is, is the heater coming on?
So I guess what I am saying is, is the heater coming on?
i have a couple diffrent thermometers in my tank. i just use them as guides. when i want to know the temp i look at the digital thermometer.
I have two stick on temp gauges on each side of my tank and if I still question those then I use a digital candy temp gauge that I bought just for my aquarium use.
I've had good success with my stick on thermometer (as it reads only 1degree below what I have my room temp set to by my Thermostat).
I'd recommend against those floating glass/plastic ones though. If they ever get cracked or break for whatever reason - I would think that the mercury in them would kill your fish (infact - I think I read that out here somewhere).
I'd recommend against those floating glass/plastic ones though. If they ever get cracked or break for whatever reason - I would think that the mercury in them would kill your fish (infact - I think I read that out here somewhere).
sly2kusa said:
I sure they don't make them with mercury any more unless the got a really old one, they all should have alcohol in them now.