Heaters...help My Tank Is Too Cool!

[sammclean23]

Hi,
 
I had a heater for my Juwel Rio 180, however it would not turn on and the temperature is now room temp.
 
In belief the thermostat had broken, I have replaced it with another Juwel Heater.
 
The new heater will now not turn on either unless I move the temp gauge to near maximum, and when it is enabled, it does not last long.
 
What is going on here?
 
Can anyone help?
 
 
 
 

 

[8511swann]

What is the temperature of the room your tank is in, and what is the actual measured with a thermometer temperature of your tank?

 

[sammclean23]

Bang on 22 on the thermometer mate. I can't work it out, I thought electrical fault but it can't be. I've had the heater stuck to the glass rather than in the housing too, no difference.

 

[8511swann]

Is it on maximum?

 

[sammclean23]

Is it on maximum?

 
Yes I've put the heater on max again just to test over night, the tank is still 22. I've just tested my glass thermometer in hot water to prove it works. I cannot think of any common issue that would affect two separate heaters (brand new). If anyone can help I would be really grateful as this is confusing the s*** out of me

 

[8511swann]

What is the wattage of the heater?

 

[N0body Of The Goat]

Temperature markings on heaters rarely match well with real world readings and Juwel heaters are one of the worst in my experience... Maximum on my 200W and 50W models would barely maintain ~24C!
 
What fish do you keep? 22C might be perfectly fine, at least in the short term, I find many members on here tend to keep their tanks warmer than they have to be.

 

[sammclean23]

What is the wattage of the heater?

200W - but the fact is, 3 days ago this heater was heating my tank to 24-25C. Now it's not...
 

Temperature markings on heaters rarely match well with real world readings and Juwel heaters are one of the worst in my experience... Maximum on my 200W and 50W models would barely maintain ~24C!
 
What fish do you keep? 22C might be perfectly fine, at least in the short term, I find many members on here tend to keep their tanks warmer than they have to be.

 
I know what you're saying mate but that's not what im getting at, what im saying is 3 days ago, my heater was heating the tank to 24-25C. It was monday I noticed the temp had dropped so turned the temperature up, however the heater would only staying on for a few minutes
 
I ordered a replacement and now it is doing the same..
 
Even on MAX, the heater will only stay on for a few minutes before turning off again, barely affecting the temperature. This is the case now with both heaters, old and the replacement. Cannot work out what's wrong
 
Thanks for the replies both!

 

[8511swann]

The thermostats in poorer quality heaters aren't up to much. Years ago I had one that would swing by as much as 10 degrees before it turned back on!. If they are failing then consider your power supply. Try getting an extension lead that has built in surge protection.

 

[sammclean23]

The thermostats in poorer quality heaters aren't up to much. Years ago I had one that would swing by as much as 10 degrees before it turned back on!. If they are failing then consider your power supply. Try getting an extension lead that has built in surge protection.

 
It's been fine for 9 months until now though which is why I'm puzzled. i.e. if the old one lasted 9 month, surely a brand new one can last an hour!
 
So you suggesting it could be the power supply too? I ruled that out as the heater would turn on momentarily when adjusting the temp gauge. Maybe I should try it directly into the mains rather than the extension it is currently in?

 

[8511swann]

What make are the heaters, and where are they from? Were they both the same model?

 

[sammclean23]

What make are the heaters, and where are they from? Were they both the same model?

 
the last one (lasted 9 months) didn't have an obvious brand - I purchased this tank second hand but for the period mentioned, it would keep my tank at a consistent temp. The new heater is Juwel 200W Heater mate. So 2 different heaters yes. Thanks for the prompt replies, the fish seem ok at the minute but cannot get my head around it.

 

[8511swann]

I know its an obvious, but try another thermometer, just to make sure your temperature reading is ok. Could be a false reading.

 

[sammclean23]

I know its an obvious, but try another thermometer, just to make sure your temperature reading is ok. Could be a false reading.

 
I tried it in hot water to test, although it moved, it doesn't prove the temperature. It's not reliable, but to put my hand in it is definately much colder than it was previously mate.
 
It's not the best method but it's all I can give you until I can get another thermometer.

 

[8511swann]

I suppose the possibilities are as follows:
 
You've been unlucky and had two duff heaters.
The heaters are poor quality, and the stats aren't working correctly.
The heaters aren't up to the job, ie too low wattage.
You have an issue with the extension lead/socket that is killing your heaters.
You have a devious fish that is messing around with it!
 
Incidentally, is the tank near an open window/door or somewhere getting a draft. Temperature swings could be causing it to be working too much maybe.
Unplug it,and put it in a bowl of cold water to see if it actually comes on. Is there a little orange lamp on it to tell you it's actually heating?