Heater Question

[fishwatcher]

Can you put a submersible heater in a tank that is smaller than what the heater is rated for? The heater in my turtle tank (20g tank, about 16g water) is just not keeping it warm enough and the only other heater I could use in a 200w. I don't know if this will over heat the heater and mess it up or if it will kill the turtle somehow....
Thanks for any help!

 

[rocknurworld2006]

it should be ok temporarly . it will just heat up the tank alot quicker which if there is big fluctuations in temp could cause problems.

 

[Matty P]

It should be ok for a while but not reccommnded, if it was to fail on you would be in big trouble.

 

[rocknurworld2006]

yes it would boil your fish!!

 

[rossyboy]

wouldn't 'boil' your fish. The thermostat would control the temp and you could use it forever amen if the room temp doesn't fluctuate too much.

if it does though, i'd buy one more suitable for the tank size.

 

[Matty P]

If it failed on you would be VERY lucky if any fish did survive, so I really would advise against it.

 

[fishwatcher]

well, dang... I was hoping not to have to buy another heater. I guess I'll have to though.
Thanks for the advice fellas!