National geographic heater calibration

I have a 200w national geo heater that was way off. But not all is lost with these heaters. You can calibrate them. These heaters are water proofed inside and doing this fix will not break the waterproof seal.

Pre-fix: You should use an accurate thermometer to read the water temp between the indicator light and where the temp dial. Then turn the heater dial until it turns on. When you do this you know what temp the heater is kicking on at. IE: 79f. So when following the steps you will want to end with the temp dial reading 79f.

Step 1: using a flat head screw driver you push it into the yellow circle and push it upwards like so

Before pushed up


after pushed up


Next using a pair of pliers like so pull and rock until it releases.






Then you need to separate the outer ring with temp numbers and the center ring




Now being careful not to turn the dial the yellow piece attaches to put the yellow piece back on.



Then put the outer dial ring on so the correct temp is lined up with the indicator light.



Now attach the inner ring. You may have to lift the outer ring up to get them to attach. If so align the correct temp on the dial to the arrow on the inner circle.



Now it is back together. Put back into the tank and test. If it is still way off then you somehow turned the knob the yellow part connects to when the outer temp ring was removed.

If all went well you should now be within a >1f accuracy.

 

Cheap heater that can be calibrated

I just posted a fix to the national geographic heater's inaccuracy here,

I'm posting here for anyone just getting into fish keeping and want a good cheap heater that you can make accurate.

 

Those are really great steps. Thanks delta5!

 

Aqueon Pro heaters are great. Normally pretty accurate. They have a green and red LED system that lets you know when the heater is plugged in and receiving power and when its actively on heating the water. Helps you know if it is working properly. Also it has a durable plastic shell so no chance of broken glass in your tank in case some accident.

Also, don't buy your supplies locally from places like Petsmart, they are way over priced. You can save a on of money online. Stock up and plan out any chemicals, media, equipment etc, you may need and place one large order to save on shipping. And even with shipping you will have saved money over the local places.

 

A heater is one thing you don't want to cheap out on (but that does not mean you shouldn't look for the best price). I faulty heater can lead to a tank full of dead fish.

I also use the Aqueon Heaters and am quite happy with them.

 

I just posted a fix to the national geographic heater's inaccuracy here,

I'm posting here for anyone just getting into fish keeping and want a good cheap heater that you can make accurate.

Threads merged.

There really isn't a reason to cross post between forums.

Something to keep in mind altering a heater (or any product) would most likely void the warranty.