Heating issues

Hi all,

So new tank here (200L) and I have a 300W heater. I am trying to have a constant 24 deg tank (Without wave maker yet still on the way..) and I end up putting my heater on 26 deg to get the thermometer reading at 24deg.. Is something wrong with my heater? Also I have a lead thermometer should I switch to a digital one maybe its more accurate? My thermometer in placed on the opposite side of the heater almost touching the substrate is this good?

 

Sometimes you have to wait for the heat to circulate around the tank, it's usually warmer near the heater. I find that the substrate is usually colder, so try moving the thermometer up towards the top. If that doesn't help, a two-degree difference if reading isn't a huge deal unless you have some rare species of fish.

 

Sometimes you have to wait for the heat to circulate around the tank, it's usually warmer near the heater. I find that the substrate is usually colder, so try moving the thermometer up towards the top. If that doesn't help, a two-degree difference if reading isn't a huge deal unless you have some rare species of fish.

OK so I should keep it on the far right of the tank and put it on top. Should I replace the lead thermometer with the digital one maybe more accurate?

 

See what happens when you move it. I've got an old glass one and I think it's like a degree or so off, but I get an accurate enough read. As I said, a reading difference of a degree or two isn't detrimental to the fish but if that one's just not getting a great read, you can try a new one.

 

I have nearly always found that the temperature setting on the heater does not correspond to the actual temperature, you have to keep adjusting the heater until you get the temperature you want.

 

If you notice on the description of most heaters, they say they heat 15degrees above ambient room temperature. I just bought a new heater, and it even had a diagram based on your ambient room temperature. So if you keep your room at 65f expect your adjustible heater to go to 80f, despite what the numbers say on the heater itself. That's why it's crucial to still have a thermometer checking the temp.

 

I never depend on the numbers on the heaters dial. I have used several different brands through the years and none of them have corresponded to my thermometer. I go by what my thermometer tells me. As long as you know your thermometer is accurate let it be your guide.

 

If you notice on the description of most heaters, they say they heat 15degrees above ambient room temperature. I just bought a new heater, and it even had a diagram based on your ambient room temperature. So if you keep your room at 65f expect your adjustible heater to go to 80f, despite what the numbers say on the heater itself. That's why it's crucial to still have a thermometer checking the temp.

Thanks for the reply! Is it worth getting a digital one instead?

 

Thanks for the reply! Is it worth getting a digital one instead?

If you want, but I usually just check with an instant read kitchen thermometer, or my tds meter if that's what I'm already using. The kitchen thermometer is inexpensive and easy to source.

I did buy new heaters that both came with digital thermometers though, so I am utilizing those and I like them, but I still double check with my kitchen one, plus you can take multiple reads to check for cold spots.

I never depend on the numbers on the heaters dial. I have used several different brands through the years and none of them have corresponded to my thermometer. I go by what my thermometer tells me. As long as you know your thermometer is accurate let it be your guide.

Example, it's set for 82