Works great fully submerged horizontally. My concern is when I went to move it, it burnt me. Anyone had trouble with snails or fish getting burned? Is this normal for heaters?
1265365
The only way the glass could become hot enough to "Burn" was if it was not under water.The water will remove heat faster than the resistive heater wire can supply it.
1265366
I have never been burned by mine. I have this heater in a turtle tank and she likes to put her front feet on it and take a nap. I would assume you have one with a defect and should probably remove it immediately just in case.
1265367
not suppose to touch it when its still running shoulda let it cool down first when turn off all the way
1265368
I have never had any problems like this before. Although the instructions state to turn the unit off for 15-30 minutes before touching it.
1436832
Really? I didnt know it had to be fully submersed, I always kept the water line half way up the black part with the knob out of the water. Ive never had a problem with the heater so far. Its kept consistent 77-78 degree temp for almost a year now. Hope tuis helps!
1135642
i have not figured that one out yet, what i have been thinking of doing is place a small submersible heater in the 5 Gal water bucket or if you come off a spicket you could use a heat tape then wrap it with foam insulation and gorilla tape.hope this helps you.
1142174
Suprised it was damaged!! Mine was packed like a very well! As for the temp? I had that problem yesterday. Smoked a pork roast. Fired up just fine and was running too hot 250! Had both burners on low and both dampers open all the way. So, I turned the valve back on the propane tank. Next think I know the temp is at 150 and when I turn it up the temp will not increase. I shut everything down. Opened the valve on the propane tank all the way and restarted it. Worked fine after that. The propane regulators are very cheap now days and seem to have some issues. I have only used it 3 times and here are some suggestions. Keep what you are smoking if it is a small amount at the same level as the temp gauge. Only use 1 burner at a time. Why? When the 1st one burns out of wood chips you start the other. Then you can change out the chips and it is not hot. Wrap the pans in tin foil! They stay nice and it is an easy clean up when you are done. I am also looking into getting a very thin fire proof seal for the door. It is metal against metal and leaks some smoke. May not be worth the cost but a thought. Also..Make sure you burn it off!! Do it slow and work the vents and the doors as it heats up! They will stick! Hope this helps! Going to do a big turkey this weekend?! Yikes!!!
417471
Yes, just don't plug in the unit until it is completely submerged. If the heating unit is heated out of water, it will burn out.
867159
Adding one comment to the earlier answer. If your water level gets low (this is a fairly tall heater so you should never go below about 6" of water) and the outside temp is low, there is no safety turnoff. So if it's 30 out and the livestock drink the tank down to a couple inches of water, the heater will glow red until you add water. Not a problem with the product since it can't tell if it is surrounded by cold water or air, just a tip to keep the water at a minimum depth so you don't waste power.
1819548
I was not able to get it to heat a 20 gal or a 10 gal, so I have it in a 5 gal tank and it still doesn't heat to the level it states it will. I put it in a smaller tank with some fish that don't have to have the water temperature to be maintained at over 75, so it's working find in that situation. I suggest getting a submersible heater that allows you to adjust the heat to the temperature you want, that's what I now have in both of my larger tanks now and I was very disappointed when this one wouldn't/couldn't keep up with at least a 10 gal tank. Good Luck!
1846493
You can chose to place the heater against the wall of the tank (no cord submersion), or place the heater underneath gravel (cord submerged). I have had the heater at the bottom of my tank for almost a month and have had no problems.
771927
In my 120 aquarium I used the 250watt. Going a little bit on the large side allows for a more stable water temperature. And yes, heaters can be placed in any direction, including horizontal or upside down, and still work.
674054
I've had mine completely submerged before. While in use. With no problems at all.
1951255
If I were you, I would leave this one off. Since this heater cannot be adjusted, it will only overheat the water. That's what happened to me. I still blame this heater for the death of my daughter's fish!!!
367216
there is an Anti-burn limiter in the handle control... it is easily moved, but requires you to remove the main handle and stem cover... this btw, is to prevent young/old persons from turning on water that is toooo hot. I set mine up for max hot water as all that use are older.
285900
I use it hanging from the side of the tank. You can monitor it better. I was afraid if it was under gravel or any rocks it might melt or make the rocks or gravel hot.
766738
It includes 2 clip-on suction cups that can mount anywhere on the body, and being submersible it can go most anywhere in the tank that has decent flow, as long as it is not in direct contact with something that shouldn't get hot. When on, the heater doesn't get so hot you can't touch it, so there isn't much of an issue with fish or decorations getting burned by it, but it does provide less intense heat and is a little longer than a glass heater of the same wattage, so if in doubt, get the next size up heater. You could easily mount this in a sump or overflow given it's big enough with enough water volume and flow to keep the temp stable and heater fully submerged. It includes 2 clip-on suction cups that can mount anywhere on the body, and being submersible it can go most anywhere in the tank that has decent flow, as long as it is not in direct contact with something that shouldn't get hot. When on, the heater doesn't get so hot you can't touch it, so there isn't much of an issue with fish or decorations getting burned by it, but it does provide less intense heat and is a little longer than a glass heater of the same wattage, so if in doubt, get the next size up heater. You could easily mount this in a sump or overflow given it's big enough with... » Read More It includes 2 clip-on suction cups that can mount anywhere on the body, and being submersible it can go most anywhere in the tank that has decent flow, as long as it is not in direct contact with something that shouldn't get hot. When on, the heater doesn't get so hot you can't touch it, so there isn't much of an issue with fish or decorations getting burned by it, but it does provide less intense heat and is a little longer than a glass heater of the same wattage, so if in doubt, get the next size up heater. You could easily mount this in a sump or overflow given it's big enough with enough water volume and flow to keep the temp stable and heater fully submerged. « Show Less
1295210
My experience is it must remain submerged. This heater has failed at this point for me anyway. So I would suggest another brand or style. Mine didn't last very long. I am now using an adjustable version. Aquatop GH150 Aquarium Submersible Glass Heater, 150-Watt. And it works great. Lets hope it last longer.
84553
The directions to most of these heaters say to unplug them before removing from the water. Water absorbs heat MUCH faster than air so it could overheat and burn out if exposed to air.
1080840
It includes 2 clip-on suction cups that can mount anywhere on the body, and being submersible it can go most anywhere in the tank that has decent flow, as long as it is not in direct contact with something that shouldn't get hot. When on, the heater doesn't get so hot you can't touch it, so there isn't much of an issue with fish or decorations getting burned by it, but it does provide less intense heat and is a little longer than a glass heater of the same wattage, so if in doubt, get the next size up heater. You could easily mount this in a sump or overflow given it's big enough with enough water volume and flow to keep the temp stable and heater fully submerged.