redgal

Hello,

I'm setting up my first aquarium to house a betta. I got a package deal on a 10g tank with supplies included. It comes with a Hagen Elite Radiant 100w heater that says it's good for up to 20g tanks.

I know that this isn't the best heater and it's not submergable and it looks kinda scary to put in the water ...LOL.

However, my budget is already blown and I can't really afford to upgrade right now...maybe in a few months. So, I was just wondering if anyone has used this heater with success or not or has any thoughts on it before I open it and use it?

Thanks so much,
Kath

KyWildFish

First could you possbily exchange it for another one or credit towards one? If not you should be able to use it till you can buy a new one. The betta could be kept in unheated water but he/she will be lathargic and miserable.
You do have time though. If you are just setting up the tank you still have to cycle it so you have time. Check out the links on the main page about how to cycle using different methods. It is very important to ensure a happy and long life for your betta.

Jess

I'm a fan on submersible heaters. You're right, that one looks scary.

redgal

Thanks guys. I have been reading alot about ensuring everything is set up right for a betta fish. I want it to have a happy and healthy life with us

What are the advantages of a submersible heater over the kind I have ( other than they probably look less scary!)?

I might have to use it until I can get another one and then I'll have to order online. I went to exchange it today but my LFS only have these and I live in the middle of nowhere. I hope it's okay.

Butterfly

It's really hard to keep the water up to the water in an non-submersible heater due to evaporation. When you do water changes you will have to turn it off at least 15 minutes before lowering the water level. Heaters that are out of the water tend to crack at best, explode at worst.
submersible heaters can be put anywhere in the tank under water and you don't have to worry about water level.
Carol

snowball

submersibles can get a better angle in the water so it can heat it up moar and they are a little bit less likely to overheat.
Ive submersed every heater that wasnt suppose to be submersed and it worked out fine

Llama

Umm snowball, you realise that the last post was done 4 months ago right?

Butterfly

Yep it's four months old but I feel I need to address a statement in Snowballs post

This is a very unsafe practice. Heaters that aren't meant to be submerged aren't water tight. When/if water gets inside all of your fish can be electrocuted and you can receive a severe shock. I'm glad you haven't had any problems in the past but please don't do this.
carol