Heaters

[Jombi21]

What do you think...

Here's the situation: I have a 125 gallon with Amphilophus flaveolus and cutteri in it. I had two 250w heaters. One is newly purchased. One is newly replaced from Marineland. Both have the new technology with the on/off light indicators. For about a month, the heaters could barely get the tank above 78*, when set on 82-86*. I dealt with it though. Yesterday, the tank was at 74* and my Amphilos were hiding. Both heaters were lit up red, saying they were heating.

SO... Here's what I did: I ran to the shop, where I bought the others. I bought a 300w Marineland to add to the mix (even though the guy at the store said ONE 300w heats his 125 gallon). I thought this would simply and quickly fix my problem, while I figure out if the others are bad.

Here's the problem: Today the tank is still at 74* with 2 250W heaters indicating they are heating AND a 300W heater that is in the tank; it is still cold. BUT the 300W is frequently on/off with the red light, mostly off. The tank is clearly not 80 - the temperature which the 300w is set. If I bought it yesterday, wouldn't that 300w be pumping heat? It's not coming on and it's not providing heat.

I was hoping the 300W was the solution to my problems. I have so much going on, that I didn't need this problem. It's realllly bugging me.

Thanks for your input. I really don't even know where to start. I can't justify dropping more money into heaters for this tank.

Jom

[TYTONK]

Jom,

Quick thought. How confident are you in the thermometer that is giving the tank temp? Maybe heaters working, thermometer not so much.

Tyler

[Jombi21]

Used a way-too-expensive laser thermo, a regular submers, and my hand, which I'd say is far better than any heater.

Fish are hiding; I'd be too. Brr

Good thought.

Jom

[TYTONK]

A couple of other things to try/check. Are your heaters below the filter intakes so that the heated water gets pulled into the filter and then dispersed throughout the tank? Have you put your hand on the heaters when the light is on to feel if the heaters are actually hot?

[Jombi21]

They're not hot. At all. Could ALL three be shot, but still put on the indicator light?

Jom

[TYTONK]

I have had that happen, but with really old heaters. Indicator light on, but heater not hot at all. I have also had the opposite, indicator light not working at all, but the heater was actually working.

[Jombi21]

Ugh, it just seems too elementary. It shouldn't be this hard. Thanks for responding Tyler

Jom

[Jshakour]

you could put your fish in a jacuzzi


I have two 300w heaters in both my 92 gallon corner and my 90 bow front. All 4 heaters are Marineland Stealth heaters. One of the 4 were replaced because it was part of the bad batch of heaters.

Have you had this problem in the past or did it just start? Can you see the thermal waves coming off the heaters?

[Jombi21]

Never had a problem. No thermal waves. I contacted Marineland - they said they wanted to help. I have my fingers crossed.

[Dan Woodland]

Tank near a window? It's getting colder outside.

[Daniel Smith]

In my experience the temp dial on the heater rarley corresponds with the actual cut out point although all my heaters are old ones ( i have not bought a new one for about 8 years ) I would sugest you take one of the 250w out as 3 heaters is excessive and not necassary for your tank i would then turn both heaters up one click / bar at a time leaving a few hours between for temp to adjust until you acheive the temp you want .You may find you need to have heater dials up on 86 to get a water temp of 80 some heaters work the other way round and you need to set at 74 to get water temp of 80

[Jshakour]

Never had a problem. No thermal waves. I contacted Marineland - they said they wanted to help. I have my fingers crossed.

so the tank was at temperature and all of a sudden the heaters can't keep up?

hmmmmmmmmmm?????


Try doubling up another 300 take the two 250's out and see what happens.

[Dan Woodland]

Test the heater in a smaller container?