Je55*e

I've had it in the tank for over twelve hours now, and the thermometer reads 72, and I set the heater to 79. I waited about ten minutes to plug it in after putting it in the tank (I know they say 15-30, but I didn't think it was a huge deal). The company says it takes 24 hours to start up and regulate the heat. Does this sound normal to you guys with Stealth heaters? Does it take this long before working?

Please answer today, I want to add fish in later!

Lucy

What size tank? What's the wattage? The first time I used my stealth I had problems too.
It was user error. You're supposed to set the temp before you put it in the tank. I adjusted it after it was in the tank.

That said, if the directions say wait 15-30, you should have waited 15-30. Also it says it takes 24 hours, so you should wait the 24hrs and not rush things.

In other words, follow the directions.

Je55*e

I hope my plugging it in too early didn't harm it forever. :P Oy.
It's a 20g tank and the heater itself doesn't state the wattage (I threw out the packaging) but it's for up to a 30g tank. The temperature was already set to 79 when I took it out of the package, so I left it there.

Lucy

Up to 30g, should be 100w.
The stealths have the wattage printed on the heater.

Beth1965

Don;t know if this helps you but, I also set the temp after I set the heater in the tank. It's a 10 gal and it took at least 24 hours for the h2o temp to get where I wanted.

aquarist48

I set my Stealth's before I put them in the tank. Then I let them adjust to the water in the tank for 30 minutes and then I plugged it in. They have all done fine. If it's not working within 24 hours I'd just take it back if you have the receipts.

Shawnie

all heaters should be gradual working ..that way the fishies dont get ICH or get sick from a rapid change...if after the 24 hours its not at 79, either check your thermometer for faultyness (is that a word?) or return it for another one

Je55*e

Beth, that's very helpful, thanks. As is the rest of your input, everyone. Thanks!

mr. Clown Loach

hmmmm mine worked in a matter of hours like 2-3weird and i plugged it straight in

prairielilly

My stealths (I have 3) worked right out of the box. I didn't read the directions and have no idea where they are.. I have had this issue with some other brands - I've set them, put them in the water, waited the required time - and in my case the temperature had DROPPED. I couldn't return that one but I would have if I could've (IMO it was defective) and I no longer shop at the place that sold it to me. I think you happened to get a defective heater and should try to return/exchange it if possible.

≈ D ≈

DE88ROX

Ok dumb question here. What exactly is a "stealth" heater? Is it name brand or what?

Shawnie

ty!

Lucy

Visi-Therm Stealth Heater by Marineland

That's all I use except in my little q tank.

There's a link at the top of the page for Pet Mountain, best prices I've seen for the stealth heaters. In petsmart, these babies are ex-pen-sive!

DE88ROX

I just got back from petsmart and paid $30.00 for a 100w Stealth.

Lucy

I think you'll be really happy with it.