Drew 43920

Could I put the heater under a half log for appearance sake ?
drew
"log is resin/plastic"

soldieroffortune1974

It should be fine in the hollow log,I hide mine under a pile of stones covered in christmas moss,as long as the water circulates through/under/over/around there's nothing to worry about.

Lucy

On some heaters it's specified whether or not it can touch the gravel etc. So you might want to check the directions.

soldieroffortune1974

I have seen the warnings about not touching the gravel,decor,etc. I haven't heard any good reasons for the warning,except melting fake plants,decor.If it's getting that hot,then it needs to be turned down or discarded. As long as there is adequate circulation it would be fine..............BUT,use your own judgment..I tend to see manufacturers warnings more of a guideline (on certain things) There's probably a good reason for the warning,like some yocal using the heater to make a hot plate or the like, but under normal use with common sense,it is generally ok.

Drew 43920

How about under half log on bare bottom (slate ?) ? Does the resting on gravel help to dissipate heat ?
drew

Lucy

Yeah, I don't know the reasoning behind the warning. I assumed that the heater wouldn't work as well as it should, but that's just a guess.

soldieroffortune1974

The gravel doesn't disipate the heat,the water would take care of that before the gravel warmed enough to worry about it.(properties of denser matter and such)

I would say it's fine to placed on slate,gravel,etc AS long as: there isn't too much vigorous activity bumping it around,because they can and will break. (learned that from my oscars,they like breaking things)

capekate

Depending I assume on the amount of wattage on your heater whether its a good idea to place a heater inside of a log or decorations. I always felt the best place for a heater was under the outflow of the filter. This way it helped to move the heated water around the tank. I just think that a heater placed inside something would defeat its purpose and can lesson the amount of heat that needs to spread around the tank. Plus the heat coming off the heater can burn or melt any of the decorations or plastic plants that it is touching and can possibly release toxins in the tank.If I were to touch my heater that is set at 80* I know it is real hot!
You can also lay the heater down horizontally against the back glass with a log in front of it. This way you wouldnt see it from the front of the tank. Or you can hide it behind bushes. I keep tall plants in front of the heater that is attached by suction cups to the back glass and its barely noticeable.

gremlin

Putting it in the log, I would worry that a fish might go in the log to hide and get burned on the heater. I have one hollow log in my tank and there is always at least one algae eater or pleco in it. Sometimes a pleco will be hanging from the top inside and an algae eater on each end - resting nose to tail. There wouldn't be room for the heater!

Attached Images

cleaning crew in their log 11 30 08.JPG (110.4 KB, 18 views)