Aquarium Heater

[thebbqguy]

I am sure this question is going to make some of you chuckle, but I have read the directions on this 300 watt heater several times and I'm still unclear about how it should be installed in the tank. I know it's not a "high quality" heater, but the "high quality" heater cost $90 and my wife said that I had to go with more of a "budget" option. (She actually told the guy at the fish store that too when he was showing us the two options for my 75 gallon tank.)

Here's a link to the heater:
http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Submersible-Heater-Aquarium-300-watt/dp/B00AFELTJW

How should this heater be installed? Must the top remain out of the tank, or is it really submersible? I don't want to install it incorrectly, but I am uncertain about the submersible part. I don't want to electrify the water accidentally. Of course I would always unplug the electrical items before I actually placed my hands in the tank.

Anyone care to weigh in on how this heater should be installed? I have searched Google and YouTube for a picture of the heater installed on a tank, but haven't been able to find one.

[Mission Man]

http://www.kensfish.com/aquarium-supplies/aquarium-heaters/cobalt-accu-therm-heater-300-watt.html


Cobalt is usually a quality heater, however "any brand" heater can malfunction (either fail to come on or worse, come on and stick on).  So I recommend buying two smaller heaters, that when combined, will heat your tank.   But, if one of the heaters stick on, it isn't strong enough to create a "fish boil" which is where you notice your fish (usually your favorite(s)) have died, because the water got too hot.

It costs more up front, but then you don't lose hundreds of dollars in fish. 

[thebbqguy]

Mission Man,

Now I feel real gullible because the heater I bought cost almost double price of the Cobalt you posted.

[Mission Man]

Don't feel bad.  That is just my opinion.  Doesn't mean it's the only way.

I'm sure you'll get feedback about this with a totally different opinion.

The best way to do things in this hobby (addiction), is to do what you're doing...

Ask question and sometimes learn the hard way.  We've all done it once or twice (or more).   

[thebbqguy]

Do you think two smaller 100 watt heaters would be a better option?

That affects the aesthetics quite a bit because before you know it I'll have a lot of "stuff" in the tank taking up space.

[Mission Man]

Two 150w heaters would be better, because combine they would equal the 300 watts it takes to heat an 80 gallon tank.

The heaters in my tanks are installed horizontally, about 4" from the top of the substrate.  That way I can do a 50% water change without having to unplug the heater.  I also have a 4" air stone right under the heater.  It keeps the water moving which helps the heater to run more efficiently (no stagnant water).

[dexternovice]

Mission Man's tanks are beautiful, his fish are healthy, and his advice is logical.

[Sean]

I also like the Cobalt heaters, great price and I've never had one malfunction.

[cranialdisturbance]

300 watts is large for 75g but it will work fine. If it says submersible you can place the entire unit all the way in the tank. Don't  worry about unplugging it before sticking your hands in there, embrace the danger. I never go with 2 heaters in 4 foot tanks like yours. I do in larger 6ft tanks though for better heat dispersion.

[Regalblue]

300w for a 75?!?

You would've been fine with a 150w Jager. (Or two 75w)

Just do like above- set the temp dial,  horizontally put heater in tank about 5" from substrate,  let it sit in there for 20min, plug it in & monitor temperature with a thermometer to make sure it's at your desired temperature. 

[thebbqguy]

I installed the heater. Water temp is 63.8.

Unfortunately, the heater will not install horizontally as discussed above. It's too heavy and based on where the suction cups and mounting brackets need to be installed it's too much weight.

I'll be on the look out for a replacement down the road.

[cranialdisturbance]

Definitely turn that heater up. You should be able to mount a submersible heater wherever you want in the tank.

[thebbqguy]

Water temp was up to 70.3 this morning. I suspect 75 degrees when I get home from work.

[Regalblue]

You should be able to mount a submersible heater wherever you want in the tank.

x2
 I'm also finding it odd that you say it won't go horizontal.