Full Version: Can You Control The Temputure On A Heater?
I was wondering if you can control the temp. on a heater?
yes you can. most heaters have thermostats built in to them, and all you do is when its first placed in the tank to switch it on and watch when the red light goes out. you will also need a thermometer to check the temperature its at. if the temp doesnt match what you need then you slowly turn the knob on the top clockwise until it clicks and the light comes on again. eventually you will get the temp you need. as a word of warning, never take the heater out of the water when its switched on as it will get too hot and break, always leave it off for around 15 - 20 minutes to cool when also doing any water changes that will take the water level down below the water line marked or for general maintenance.
Thanks a bunch!!!! 
IMHO - I wouldn't trust the thermostat on a heater though - have a thermometer in there too.
Jenn
Jenn
A few of the "newer" heaters have a "factory set" temperature - that keeps the thermometer on about 78F (tropical). You need to make sure that you are purchasing one that has a thermostat that you can adjust if that is what you are looking to do.
I also know that some of the better brands of heaters truly do a better job - they are more reliable, keep the temperature more closely to the desired number, and are calibrated more closely to "reality"whenyou purchase them.
As Jenn so wisely says, do not trust the thermostat on your heater to tell you what the true water temperature is. Many things can make it less than reliable. Many heaters have a white "water level" line on them. If you have evaporation that makes the water level lower than that line, or the heater is set a little too low in the water - slightly over the line, the temperature will not be as accurate. Also calibrations are different from instrument to instrument. One may be set at 72F but keeps your tank at 78. One may be set at 72F but keeps the tank at 68F.
I prefer the immersible heaters for that eliminates the water level issue and prevents problems when you change the water and may forget to unplug your heater.
You need to monitor your equipment. A secondary thermometer is a necessity.
I also know that some of the better brands of heaters truly do a better job - they are more reliable, keep the temperature more closely to the desired number, and are calibrated more closely to "reality"whenyou purchase them.
As Jenn so wisely says, do not trust the thermostat on your heater to tell you what the true water temperature is. Many things can make it less than reliable. Many heaters have a white "water level" line on them. If you have evaporation that makes the water level lower than that line, or the heater is set a little too low in the water - slightly over the line, the temperature will not be as accurate. Also calibrations are different from instrument to instrument. One may be set at 72F but keeps your tank at 78. One may be set at 72F but keeps the tank at 68F.
I prefer the immersible heaters for that eliminates the water level issue and prevents problems when you change the water and may forget to unplug your heater.
You need to monitor your equipment. A secondary thermometer is a necessity.
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