How long to leave heater off during WC?

So far my heater hasn't exploded haha but I've just sort of been... guessing.
Do you think 10 mins is enough or too long? It's only 100w if my memory serves me correctly. Really don't wanna break it (I'm an anxious person)

On the topic of heaters, as a side note does anyone recommend any heaters? Jaeger looks quite good.

 

Hello Sup...

I just unplug the heater when I'm ready to remove the tank water. I make the new, treated water a bit warmer than what's already in the tank, the fish really like the new water a bit warmer. It encourages the livebearing fish to drop their fry. When the tank is full, I plug the heater back in and it starts to work. Once the new water cools a bit, the heater comes on and heats the water.

I like Tetra heaters. They're preset to 78 degrees and two 100 watt heaters set at opposite ends of the tank work great for my 55 and 60 gallon tanks.

Old

 

Hello Sup...

I just unplug the heater when I'm ready to remove the tank water. I make the new, treated water a bit warmer than what's already in the tank, the fish really like the new water a bit warmer. It encourages the livebearing fish to drop their fry. When the tank is full, I plug the heater back in and it starts to work. Once the new water cools a bit, the heater comes on and heats the water.

I like Tetra heaters. They're preset to 78 degrees and two 100 watt heaters set at opposite ends of the tank work great for my 55 and 60 gallon tanks.

Old

Isn't there something like you have to wait for the heater to cool off? Since contact with air can shatter it if it's too hot or summin
Now that I think about it idk how possible that is hahah

Thanks though, honestly I get worried about all the small things (￣▽￣)ノ

 

I do what Old does in that I turn off the filter when I start the water change, and turn it back on afterwards. You can look in the heaters section under equipment for more specific recommendations I would assume. hope that helps.

 

The bigger issue for heaters is a hot heater contacting cool water, not as much a hot heater contacting air. 20 minutes or so off.
I turn off, drain water from tank, refill with new water and turn on. My replacement water is within a few degrees of the tank water, 50/50 mix, and the temp is close enough to turn back on at that point, otherwise let the heater acclimate for 20 mins.

 

Agreed with leftswerve. I turn everything off during water changes and turn them back on after refilling.

Adjustable heaters are better to get than preset heaters. I like Aqueons but hear good things about jagers too.

 

Hello again Sup...

The heater cools quickly when it's unplugged and as long as you put a little bit warmer water in the tank, there's no risk of the heater breaking.

Old

 

I have an Aqueon heater, and the body is not glass, so there is no chance of it shattering. It is adjustable, and turns off automatically if the water level get too low.

When I do my water change I just hit the button on my power strip and everything gets turned off (heater, filter, air pump, light). I then remove the water, refill with water the same temp as the tank is set at and turn the power strip back on. The water shouldn't change temp during your water change unless your taking a really loooooong time to do it.