Heater Issue?

[Arcticfirefighter]

Does anyone know how to test a heater to make sure it's working properly? My temp in the tank went from a pretty steady 77.5 down to 73.4 overnight. Granted the temp in the house went down to 71 last night. The heater light keeps going on and off as if it's working; however the temp does not seem to be going back up.

 

[ca1ore]

Feel to see if the heater gets warm when the light is on.

 

[Arcticfirefighter]

Feel to see if the heater gets warm when the light is on.

I already did that, it does heat up but I have no way of knowing if it is heating properly or enough. It's been on for about 30 minutes and the temp in the tank is not rising.

 

[ca1ore]

Assuming it's a typical aquarium stick heater, the heating coil is either working or not working - there's no partly working. The issue may be in the thermostat.

 

[Arcticfirefighter]

Well crap... Ok, thanks. I guess I will just run and get another to be safe.

 

[doughboy]

your heater may be too small for your tank. it can take a lot (of heater watts) to heat up the tank above ambient temperature.
If I use a 100watt heater on my 45 gallon, it can be on all day just to keep up. I switched to 300watt heater and it comes on only maybe 10 minutes every 45 minutes when ambient temp is several degrees below the tank temp. In any case, you will likely need to get a new heater.

 

[Arcticfirefighter]

your heater may be too small for your tank. it can take a lot (of heater watts) to heat up the tank above ambient temperature.
If I use a 100watt heater on my 45 gallon, it can be on all day just to keep up. I switched to 300watt heater and it comes on only maybe 10 minutes every 45 minutes when ambient temp is several degrees below the tank temp. In any case, you will likely need to get a new heater.

I'm running a 150W in a 36 Bowfront, and have not had issues before. I think it may have just decided it was done...lol Oh well, more money spent in this hobby.