Suction cups don't suck?

irishspy

irishspy

There is a stargate in my aquarium.
Nov 6, 2002
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Hi all,

After a year-and-a-half in the Betta Palace, my visi-therm stealth heater heater came loose from its moorings and was floating in the tank. Figuring the suction cups had gone bad, I bought a new set at the LFS. But, after a few hours, those came free from the glass, too. I'm pressing down tight, but the seal only holds for a few hours. Any idea what's wrong here? (The tank's been over 80 because of the heatwave we've been having? Could that be a factor?)

Also, if I leave the heater floating free for a while, will that mess up the thermostat?

thanks much,
 
ditto, and no, it's not a problem to leave it floating, as long as it stays submerged.
 
I've noticed that the suction cups that are shiny and plastic lose their softness after a short time in the tank. They become hardened in the compressed shape and never again stick well. I've had much better luck with the dull rubber suction cups, but they're hard to find these days.
 
it helps if it has air under it. That can be a bit difficult if the tank is full though.
 
...assuming your glass is clean, perhaps the replacements are "shot", too...

I've been getting suction cup assortments at the the $1 store. The ~1 or 1.5" ones with the hook should work, just cut the hook off and attach to the "heater holder"

replace as needed..they're cheap. Depending on application and style of suction cup, cable ties may be required.

oddly enuff...the $1 store ones seem to last longer than originals...probably because they are fresh(?)
 
Thanks for the suggestions, folks. In fact, there is a thin dusting of algae on the back glass. I'll drop by the store tomorrow to get a (chemical-free) scrub-pad to remove it. My betta's been complaining about the sloppy housekeeping with the heater floating loose. :)
 
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