Heaters

Heaters come in all shapes and sizes. There are three main types. Hang On, Submersible and In Filter. All heaters work better with water movement around them.

Hang On | Submersible | In Filter

Hang On

Hang on heaters are by far the cheapest, and most dangerous. They often have a screw-on catch on one side, and the heating element hangs into the tank. The heating element must stay under water to work effectively. Be very careful to unplug it before a waterchange, and plug it back in. They are also notorious for overheating, not coming on or just breaking. Follow all directions on the box of any heater you get.

Submersible

Submersible heaters are much safer than hang on, but carry their own hazards. If you keep fish like catfish or loaches that often sit on objects in the tank, you should get a cover for your heater, or they could get nasty burns. These heaters also work best when kept parallel to the gravel so that they do not just heat the water around them.

Submersible heaters should also be turned off when water changes are done, because contact with cold air can make the glass shatter. Follow all directions on the box of any heater you get.

http://www.motorworld.com/gcvt/pets/fish/heaters/index.html -- Aquairum Submersible heater specifications.

In Filter

These heaters are becoming more popular in recent years. The heater implement is in the filter, so is not an eyesore in the tank, nor is it in danger of overheating. The downside is that they often have a limited tank size, even though they are more efficient. They are also quite expensive. Follow all directions on the box of any heater you get.

 

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