Best placement for heater?

[Ssnaaiil]

What is the best placement for a heater? Next to the filter? Middle of tank? As far away from filter as possible?

 

[AcornTheBetta]

What is the best placement for a heater? Next to the filter? Middle of tank? As far away from filter as possible?

I really don't think it matters too much, but close to the filter intake would be good because then heated water would be circulated.

 

[AquaticQueen]

Close to the filter intake but also near the bottom of the tank so that you don't accidentally fry it during water changes.

 

[RayClem]

You want to put the heater in an area with good water flow. Thus, close to the filter intake or outflow is great. If you have an airstone, sponge filter, or powerhead, that would also be good. Warm water rises, so a heater creates its own gentle current, but putting it in an area of high flow is even better. You do not want a tank to have any hotspots or cold spots.

 

[Betta'sAnonymous]

Whether its a sponge filter or an HOB, i always place it right next to the sponge/intake. Then usually place my thermometer about as far away from all of it as i can.

 

[SecondTime]

How about proximity to plants? Will the heater cause any damage to them?

 

[RayClem]

How about proximity to plants? Will the heater cause any damage to them?

You do not want the plant leaves touching the tube, but otherwise, you should be OK. I worry far more about my pleco and snails who love cleaning the tube.

 

[Dechi]

How about proximity to plants? Will the heater cause any damage to them?

I’ve had leaves touching the heater without any problems. In heavily planted tanks, even if you’re being careful the plants aren’t too close to the heater, eventually they will grow and touch it.