how to use a heater???

[PiMpPiStOl]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll305/pimppistol/100_1298.jpg

what do i do with this?? how far under do i put it? and would it matter where? and whats the plus and minus mean? its hotter if its on the plus? and are sticker thermometers good? like a mood ring, but a sticker and on a tank, with different tempatures....right now, i think the waters too cold cuz its not showing up... its from 70-84

[tsunderl]

I'm not sure if it is a submersable thermometer or not. I'd find the manufacturer and look it up online. When in doubt, keep the top out.

I typically put mine in the middle of the tank if I'm using one, and place an airstone under it to distribute the heat.

The plus means hotter. Word to the wise... Get a newer type that will let you dial the temp you want the water to be. Much more accurate, but still need a watchful eye. I did have one of those go out and noticed it by the temp being low. I've got another that I have to set about six degrees lower than I actually want it to be or it will boil water.

Sticker thermometers are crap. Get a float type or digital.

[PiMpPiStOl]

ok... do you recommend anything?? like heater or thermometer? thats cheap but good. not too cheap obviously...but affordable

[tsunderl]

I have various brands of heaters. We have a store closeby that has pre-owned equipment so I get a lot of mine from there.

I would not get the cheapest, but I wouldn't get the most expensive either. I think the last one I bought new was from Petco and I can't recall the name.

Thermometers are pretty cheap if you get the floaty type. Digital ones are obviously more expensive.

[PiMpPiStOl]

would the fish gallery have em? or, how far is the place your talking about, from the fish gallery?

it might be a while before i get more fish, so i wont be going anywhere for fishy things for a while....so could i use that heater and therm for a while with 4 fish? im letting the water in the tank age right now cuz i guess it has chlorine or something...i dunno. but i might add the fish late tomorrow or sunday...IF the heater and all that works...or does water take longer to age? we put it in...earlier mid day today..i dunno what time.

im just excited cuz i got this nice looking tank with nothing in it...but i dont wanna rush anything

PiMpPiStOl added 11 Minutes and 38 Seconds later...

what about walmart for a heater and therm??? i just thought...

[Adroit]

Buying online is your best bet for the cheapest gear. I have posted a link for a Petsmart coupon [in the Deals section] which you could use if you need a new heater and thermometer. Petsmart also price matches Petco's price and their own online store.

Walmart has a good heater online which you can get shipped to a store for free. Its the Visi therm Deluxe.

[PiMpPiStOl]

but for now, the one i have could work? if i figure it out?

PiMpPiStOl added 26 Minutes and 25 Seconds later...

nevermind...its weird. ill just wait or something

[tsunderl]

would the fish gallery have em? or, how far is the place your talking about, from the fish gallery?

Sure, Fish Gallery and any fish department even at Wal-Mart has heaters. Petco is a chain like Petsmart.

it might be a while before i get more fish, so i wont be going anywhere for fishy things for a while....so could i use that heater and therm for a while with 4 fish? Sure. im letting the water in the tank age right now cuz i guess it has chlorine or something...i dunno. Yes, chlorine is in tap water. Aging, in my opinion, is risky. I always use de-chlorinator. That, to me, is 99% certain to work. but i might add the fish late tomorrow or sunday...IF the heater and all that works...or does water take longer to age? we put it in...earlier mid day today..i dunno what time. Me neither.

im just excited cuz i got this nice looking tank with nothing in it...but i dont wanna rush anything Patience, Grasshopper. :D

PiMpPiStOl added 11 Minutes and 38 Seconds later...

what about walmart for a heater and therm??? i just thought...

They've got 'em!

[PiMpPiStOl]

they have de-chlorinator at walmart?? and itll tell me how much i need on it? ill prolly get some if they have it. and a heater. what temperature should it be? i hear different. between 72-82?

"i dunno what time. Me neither."

that made me laugh

[tsunderl]

Yes, Wal-Mart has de-chlorinator. I use Stress Coat and I've seen it at W
M. It has a cap that you can measure the amount to use depending on the amount of water you are treating.

A good all around temp range is 74-78. The thermometer will have a green area that is the "safe" range.

[PiMpPiStOl]

ok. cool. thanks!!

im glad this place isnt like other places on the net. they hate me cuz i ask too much all the time

[Brackish_Zygote]

ok. cool. thanks!!

im glad this place isnt like other places on the net. they hate me cuz i ask too much all the time
haha you just have to find the right kind of egocentric person. I love answering questions, even if I don't have the answer!

[tsunderl]

We were all new once and we are learning all the time. Helping is what this forum is all about.

[biggin]

1. buy a new heater
2. Walmart has fine heaters....somewhat more expensive.
3. Just for Pets has a good cheap glass heater although I am just about done with glass heaters


I never buy used heaters it is dangerous for you and the fish. Not a lot of things in the fish world are bad for you but a heater that shorts out and you catch the shock the dead fish is not the worst of your worries.