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I got a 200W AGA heater with my new 55 gallon tank. I was thinking I was going to need to get another, after reading some posts where they were recommended. The tank has been running for about 4 or 5 days, and I can't seem to get the temp. below 82 degrees F. It has a temp. setting which was originally at 80, but over the past couple of days has found its way down to about 77 (not a very accurate setting). I would like to maintain it at 79. So my first question is whether or not a second heater is needed ( I know it seems to be a weird question, but i'm afraid i'm getting a false sense of security) and second, is this unusual for a tank of this size to maintain that kind of temp.? Thanks in advance.

The main reason for a second heater is that if and when it fails to work you have a back up.
Not only do I have two heaters in the 5ft tank I also carry a spare new one.

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Keith

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Yes, it's better to have 2 heaters & a spare one, just in case.


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If you can't get the current heater to be accurate and do what you want, toss it and get two new, reliable ones. The heater is in my opinion the most important piece of hardware in your fish tank, and you should buy quality.

It isn't unusual for temperature to fluctuate in the aquarium. The tank temperature is affected by your aquarium lighting, the temperature of your room and the heater. A couple of nice things to do with your heater(s):

o Do buy submersible units as they are easier to hide,
o Do place them at a 45 degree angle or more in your tank below the minimum level that you have when you do your water change,
o Do use two heaters rated at half of the wattage that you would use for a single heater.

I like redundant equipment - two heaters, two filters or two beers.

By the way, I am not familiar with the AGA heater. AGA is part of Central Garden & Pet, a company that has been purchasing a number of pet industry companies in recent years. They own KayTee, TFH and a number or related companies. The unit may be manufactured for AGA as it vaguely resembles a VisiTherm, my favorite unit.

I would use two 100W Stealth heaters in your tank - http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12060&N=2004+113767

Last edited by Bob Wesolowski at 30-Dec-2005 07:21

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

My favorite is VisiTherm as well

Yesterday I bought a Stealth since the other was out of stock. So far I like it except for the fact that it doesn't have the usual light that shows when it's on or off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
There is water at the bottom of the ocean

I have no problem getting another heater. The problem is I can't get the temp. below 82 degrees It's been running between 82 and 84 degrees What should I do? This is way too warm isn't it? Right now, there are 9 Emperor Tetras in the tank. Not exactly the best cycling fish but they didn't have anything better for the purpose, and I think i'll be incorporating them into the stock list anyways. I figured I might lose 2 or 3 during cycling so I got extras. But back to the heater problem, what can I do? Temp. in our apartment runs between 70 and 72. So why is the tank so warm?



Edit:BTW forgot to mention heater is turned down and obviously has not been coming on because of the temp. So I don't think this is the problem.

Last edited by Jessnick at 30-Dec-2005 15:04

I think I found the problem.....a faulty digital thermometer....stupid technology]:|

I have one 250watt visi-therm stealth heater on my 72g and it stays a steady 78F and the room temp is around 70F. Certainly a second heater as mentioned is a good insurance policy if one breaks, although I find most heaters to be very reliable.

My Scapes

Ok maybe it isn't the digital thermometer....I went out and got your good old reliable manual thermometer, and still 83 degrees. I guess the hydrometer/thermometer one I tried earlier gave me a false reading. So, I still need help, please.

Unplug the heater, reset the heater to its lowest setting. Wait 15 minutes then plug the heater cord into the outlet.

Unplugging the unit and waiting 15 minutes should reset the thermostat in the unit. Turning the unit to its lowest setting should prevent it from heating when you plug it into the outlet. based on your thermometer, gradually adjust the unit to the desired temperature.

If this procedure does not work, take the unit back to the store and replace it.

__________
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research."
researched from Steven Wright

Thank you Bob and everyone for replying. It was the control knobs on the heaters themselves, they are not even close to accurate. They are both set at 73 degrees and the tank has been a steady 79 degrees for a day now. I took Bob's advice and unplugged them, waited for the temperature to go down, and then set them accordingly. Thanks again everyone!