Tony G.

The kit im buying comes with an automatic heater. Do they do their own thing or do i need to unplug it or something? Also, while im asking, ive always had the glass thermometers, the kit comes with a back plastic one that you stick to the side of the tank, how does that work??

thanks guys!

Willis81

I know you can leave the heater pluged in and i think u just put them on the outside of aquarium and they measure the temp

Lucy

Hi Tony What brand heater? Is it fully submersible or HOB?

aquarist48

Hello Tony. The auto heaters should cut on and off by themselves. As for the thermometer I don't care for the ones that are placed on the outside of the tank. I prefer the glass ones because I think they are easier to read and more accurate. I suggest placing the thermometer inside your filter if you have the room. Remember heat rises so if you have to place the thermometer in your tank, place it at the bottom.
I can't wait to see your new set up!
Hope you're doing well.
Ken

Tony G.

thanks everyone. The brand is Sunny... thats what the kit´s brand is. Its a fully submersible heater. It has a suction cup so it sticks to the glass at the back. So how does the thermometer really work? the plastic one i mean...

Arey ou sure those heaters turn off on their own? im confused lol

Shawnie

I have 2 of the auto heaters that are submersible...never had an issue with them.but i can say I watch that tanks temps more than my others (for just in case issues) and I bought a thermometer for inside of the tank to keep an accurate reading..maybe its my piece of mind not sure, but I feel better with the inside therms...they keep my tanks about 79 give or take a degree...

aquarist48

Hello Tony. I don't believe I've ever seen an aquarium heater that didn't turn on and off buy itself. Does yours have a temperature control knob? Does it have a light that shows you the heater is on? (some don't have the light now days).
The plastic thermometer that you place on the outside of the tank actually takes the temperature of the tank glass and not the water. Too, the room air temperature can play into account too when it's outside of the tank. It wouldn't hurt to have it as a back up for certain. If you have a glass one for in the tank, compare the difference and see how close they are.
Have a good evening!
Ken

Edit: Am I missing something? Are you referring to heaters that get to a certain degree like 78 and it never changes?

Tony G.

Thanks guys! the heater doesnt have a temp knob nor a light i might as well just pay the difference and get a better one. I will also look around for the gass thermometer whie im at it. The baby who will live here is very important, so i need the tank at its best

aquarist48

Tony I've never used those heaters. They didn't even come to mind until after my posts. My mistake!
I think you would be happier with a glass thermometer
Ken

Tony G.

lo its ok

Shawnie

ill get a pic of mine for you ...they do have lights you just dont see them until its plugged in and under water...(at least mine) they do not have temperature controls tho..the only reason ive kept mine is they are small and great for my smaller tanks...what size tank is this for? mine are on my 5g's

Lucy

I've got one that works similar in a large kritter keeper, guessing it's around 3.5 to 4g's.
When the water starts to cool, the heater detects it and turns on automatically. That's when you'll see the light come on.
Like Shawnie, I keep a close eye on th temp.
Anything larger, I'm more comfortable with a knob I can adjust if necessary.

Tony G.

15 watts... so thats probably not enough for a 10g... it doesnt have a light lol
i saw the heater being sold separately so i looked at it and its just the galss tube with the little silver sand thing inside and no light...

Lucy

IMO 15 watts isn't enough for a 10g. It's also good to have one you can adjust just in case you ned to up the temp for some reason.
2 of my 10's have 50 watts and the 3rd has 75.
Maybe you can get a 50 watt and keep this 15W as a spare?

Tony G.

sounds like a good idea i was gonna go for either 5 or 75wtts