3 gallon Pico tank overheating

[reefer81]

I’m currently cycling my 3 gallon Pico tank right now. I’m using a 10 watt heater that said it was for tanks 3-5 gallons but it’s overheating my water so much. It’s at 83 degrees does anyone have a suggestion for a heater that works for picos?

 

[andrewkw]

2 suggestions :

Get an inkbird or similar controller for your existing heater.

Remove the heater. Depending on what other small pump(s) you have in the water, they may generate enough heat.

 

[RedTheReefer]

Is this a heater that is always on with no internal thermostat?

If so, I suggest getting an Inkbird controller for the heater. You set your desired temperature and the controller will turn the heater off once the temperature is met. That will probably fix your problem assuming your tank is not overheating due to the ambient temperature and return pump.

 

[Jim8o]

Hi, have you tried turning the heater down? Might not be a very accurate heater.

Have you tried a heater controller like the Inkbird?

 

[reefer81]

It’s supposed to be a preset one but it’s not working that way. I’ll for sure be checking out the ink bird!

 

[fish farmer]

It’s supposed to be a preset one but it’s not working that way. I’ll for sure be checking out the ink bird!

I had one of those small preset heaters in a small planted tank cook all my fish....don't trust them.

 

[reefer81]

Thank you I’ll stay far away!

 

[Conchman]

Toss the small preset, get one with an adjustment...

 

[92Miata]

It’s supposed to be a preset one but it’s not working that way. I’ll for sure be checking out the ink bird!

Make sure you get the one that's like $5 more and can also control a chiller/fan. Definitely worth the price.

 

[reefer81]

Thanks for the tip, I will!